WEDNESDAY'S WORD- STRATEGY - Sadell Bradley New Life Covenant Cincinnati 03/25/15

Strategy - a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim; the art of planning and directing military operations and movements in a war or battle. From the Greek strategia 'generalship.' "Leaders establish a vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there." John P. Kotter Professor of Leadership, Harvard Business School

Every great leader has a strategic aim. Chess players out think opponents to  "checkmate." Coaches design plays for a big WIN. Entertainment executives gain the loyalty of their desired demographic for ratings.  Commander's strategize for leverage, power, and to win wars should they ensue. Jesus also has a strategy: to fill the world with disciples who will love, teach and establish His Kingdom rule on the earth.   In order to fulfill His strategy, our Lord needed followers who would understood the overall aim - to increase His government and peace in the world. Isa. 9:7 They had to reckon with whether they were prepared to pay a price for a strategic aim that would affect their personal comfort, relationships, possessions, and might cost their lives! Luke 14:25-33:

25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison-your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

Jesus admonished them to think things through before signing up to be His  followers.  It would be shameful for them to begin with the Master in excitement, but then quit on the mission once things got hard - which He promised they would. I've often wished we would tell people what they were signing up for when they came to 'join church' - I'm not sure how mega they would be...

 28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.Whatever endeavor you are pursuing (ministry, education, marriage, work, children) FIRST calculate the cost. Invest the time to make a plan and ask yourself  the hard questions. Is it worth it to your life, family and future?  Do you have enough spiritual and natural resources to see it through to the end? If you've made a commitment to follow Jesus - the cost is EVERYTHING you own, EVERY relationship you have, and YOUR ENTIRE LIFE.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - PROFIT - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati 3/18/15

Profit - a financial gain, the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent; advantage; benefit. From the Latin profectus -meaning progress.

At New Life Covenant we are in the small group series: Balanced - Gaining and Maintaining Financial Stability by Andy Stanley.  It is re-shaping our ideas about money, stewardship and our responsibilities as managers of what is God's.  We learned that to be financially balanced: we must keep our eyes focused on the target, be adaptable and ready to make constant corrections, and have a clear objective - which with money is to honor God with what He has entrusted to us. 

Jesus' teachings correlate the way we interact with money with worship.  The rich young ruler was challenged to give 'his' possessions to the poor to gain treasure in heaven and inherit eternal life. He went away sorrowful because he was unwilling to do so (Matthew 19).  In Luke 12, a man asked Jesus to command his brother to divide his inheritance with him. Jesus told him about a greedy fool who in pride boasted about storing 'his' goods in barns and bigger barns for himself, but died the very same day without ever being rich toward God.

In Matthew 6, Jesus admonishes the disciples not to worry about provision, but to trust the Father's care.  There are two masters we can serve: either God or money, but not both. You will love one and despise the other. I never thought love of, or anxiety about a car, clothing, house, investments, vacation, entertainment, etc. means I am automatically despising God? Our hearts reside in the place we really treasure.

Growing up I wasn't taught that the way I handled money was a reflection of my relationship with God.  I heard the parable of the talents often, but the Return on Investment was preached as using gifts and abilities, or saving souls - not the actual context of a master handing his servants a sum of money and expecting a profit.  (Matthew 25)  The servant who wasted his Lord's money was deemed "wicked and unprofitable." If stewarding God's money on earth is our training ground for heaven's treasures...how are we doing? I could do better...

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - PREPARE- SADELL BRADLEY- NEW LIFE COVENANT CINCINNATI 3/5/15

Are you where you want to be? Are you accomplishing your desires? Is your life making an impact? I prayed, 'Lord let Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done in my life, just like it is in Heaven.' (Matt. 6:10)  'I will be faithful over the little that You've entrusted to me, then you can trust me with much more.' (Luke 16:10) I am so aware of my need for: wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, for doors of Divine access, for favor with God and man, for miraculous supply and good stewardship, and for platforms on which to stand and declare the good news of the Gospel. Knowing you're dependent on God is not a bad thing!! I confessed struggling with not having accomplished more by now.  To this He replied, "I just want you to prepare."

• to make something/someone ready for use or consideration
• create in advance - pre-plan
• make someone ready or able to do or to deal with something
• be willing to do something

In whatever direction you feel God calling you, or you just want to go...prepare.  FAITH ACTS as if what we hope for is so (Heb.11:1), and faith without corresponding works, is dead (James 2:26)  It's time to go to yet another level of PREPARATION!!   

As we are faithful to prepare for what God is calling us to, He is faithful to use His power, influence, provision and people to help prepare the way! You and I are not special in this, God prepared the way for Jesus by using the prophets Isaiah and John the Baptist. (Reference Mark 1: 1-4):    

1This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.It began 2just as the prophet Isaiah had written: "Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way.3He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord's coming! Clear the road for him!'" 4This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.

It's hard for us to imagine that God would want or need to set up a preparation plan for His Son's coming to save the world, but He did: probably not so much because He wasn't ready, but because WE weren't ready. HE is ready for us to do and be all that He has said...but are WE ready? Let's get there...  

The Roman Philosopher Seneca said, "'Luck' is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."  We don't believe in luck, but in God's Divine plan and destiny. What if God had people, provision and possibilities all lined up, but they were just waiting for a PREPARED YOU?!   

New Life Covenant Cincinnati's  30 for $30 campaign is on NOW!! Please be a part of what we're doing to make an impact in the City and beyond... 

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - SERENITY/SHALOM - SADELL BRADLEY NEW LIFE COVENANT CINCINNATI

Serenity is a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.  Serenity is a by-product of trusting and acknowledging God and not leaning to our own understanding. (Prov. 3:5-6)  We trust that God is at work both in and around us to address situations and bring them to completion. (Phil. 2:13, 1:6)   We cast the whole of our anxieties on Him because we are in His care. (1 Peter 5:7) We have faith that He will meet our needs as we prioritize His Kingdom. (Phil. 4:19; Matt. 6:33) We know He works all things together for our good because we love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).

In school we learned the Israeli folk song Shalom Chaverim, "Have peace my friend, be safe my friend, have peace, have peace. Til we meet again, till then my good friend have peace, have peace."  The Hebrew shalom is a salutation in coming or going that invokes a blessing.  Shalom means peace, tranquility,  friendship, making amends, safety, welfare, happiness, fullness, wholeness and completion... be to YOU!  It is derivative of  a word shalam which means to be safe or uninjured in mind or body.  What a power-packed, life-giving word!!

Jesus gave us His peace, empowering us to thrive in this troubled world, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) Eirene Greek - peace, prosperity, quietness and rest; to set at one again.  He said, in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

What if life is not peaceful for you right now and anxiety/worry is building?  Paul tells us what to do in Philippians 4:4-9:  

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Shalom, my friends! Hope to see you Sunday!!  

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - HOLDING PATTERN -2/18/15- SADELL BRADLEY - NEW LIFE COVENANT CINCINNATI

A holding pattern is a maneuver designed to delay an aircraft already in flight while keeping it in a specified airspace.  The aircraft have arrived at its destination, but cannot land yet because of traffic congestion, poor weather, or runway unavailability.  Several aircraft may fly in the same holding stack at lower speeds to save fuel, separated vertically by 1,000 feet or more.   New arrivals will be added at the top. The aircraft at the bottom of the stack will be taken out and allowed to make an approach first, and so on.  Air Traffic Control controls the whole process.

Here is a simple holding pattern, the planes are traveling basically in circles.  The new plane comes on top and follows the circular pattern.
For passengers, a holding pattern can bring anxiety and frustration.  You're scheduled to land at a certain time, now you're delayed.  You might have a connecting flight.  You've  begun the descent, are low enough to see the ground, yet you've slowed down and are going around and around!  If you dislike flying you just want to land and get on the ground safely.

Sometimes in life, we're close to our desire/dream and it is as if God's hand slows us and start us circling, right when we're almost there!  Why? What is holding things up?  Is there danger?  We don't know who else is held up with us (nor do we care), or what order we are in for landing. GOD, who controls the air,  each passenger and the aircraft, will allow us to land at our destination when it seems best to HIM.

Zacharias the priest and his wife Elizabeth were faithful and righteous saints...but in a holding pattern.  Zacharias had prayed for a child for years.  The angel Gabriel appeared to him saying, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John." (Luke 1:13) The couple was older, and had been flying on life's journey desiring offspring for so long, that Zacharias couldn't believe it was true. "How can I be sure of this? I am old and my wife is well along in years." (vs 18)  He thought it was too late...even impossible at their age. God's Word is true and His timing is perfect, though to us it seems delayed. To stop him from speaking unbelief, the Lord held Zacharias' tongue from confessing his doubts, but He did not stop their appointment with destiny!  They didn't know the holding pattern and the timing of their baby's arrival was to coincide with the landing of another plane, that of Mary and Joseph, which carried John's cousin JESUS! the Messiah! the Savior of the world!

Are you in a holding pattern today? Does it seem like God is delaying you? slowing you down? Is He having you go around in circles when the destination is so close you can see it? Is He letting other planes land before yours? Trust Him to land YOU safely at YOUR destination in HIS perfect timing! 

 

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WEDNESDAY'S WORD - MIRACLE - SADELL BRADLEY - NEW LIFE COVENANT 2/11/15

A Miracle is a surprising, improbable or extraordinary  and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a Divine agency. The Latin word miraculum means 'object of wonder.'  US Airways Flight 1549 struck of flock of Canada geese during it's climb, lost engine power, and was landed by Capt. Chelsey Sullenburger on the Hudson River near Manhattan with no loss of human life.  It was called the "Miracle on the Hudson." God is in the miracle business...

After Peter and John healed the man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful, Peter proclaimed to the onlookers and then before the tribunal of priests and Sanhedrin, that it was by the power of Jesus, the Messiah, that the man was restored. (Acts 3:16-20,4)  The Greek teras, a wonder or marvel, conveys the idea that a miracle is done to elicit a reaction from onlookers. It leaves an indelible mark on those who experience it, because it brings the power of Heaven to earth. The priests were disturbed by Peter and John's preaching and more importantly, DEMONSTRATING, that Jesus was not just the author of healing, but also of the resurrection of the dead; so they jailed them.

16"What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name."

In the midst of the attention and acrimony that came because they were the ones through whom the miracle as worked; Peter and John never lost sight of Who the real miracle-worker was. They were not deterred by their enemies, but sought the Lord to continue to astonish many with His mighty power in Jesus' name so that droves of people would believe.  (Acts 4:29-31)

29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Part of the Great Commission is that signs, miracles and wonders would follow believers (Mark 16:17-8), not so that everyone can know how anointed or powerful we are, but so that those who do not yet know Jesus Christ will believe that He is Lord and King.  We should pray for, expect and participate in miracles: healing, financial, restoration, etc.  Lord, show Your power through us!!!

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - ANXIETY - 02/04/15 SADELL BRADLEY NEW LIFE COVENANT CINCINNATI

During a Q&A time after our sermon series on marriage, we were asked, "How do you deal with the anxiety you feel as you're addressing difficult issues in your relationship?" Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Even when our anxiety is about doing something positive, the uncertainty can cause dis-ease.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 40 million adults 18 and older (18% of the population). They cost us $42 Billion a year. (ADAA -The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry) Interestingly, anxiety disorders are more prevalent in developed countries than in developing countries, and women are more prone.

Before all of these studies came into play, God, in His infinite wisdom knew we would experience times of anxiety in our lives and relationships.  The Apostle Paul gave us GOD'S remedy and action plan for anxiety in Philippians 4:4-9. If we would meditate and apply the action steps in this Scripture, we would experience the joy and peace we ALL long for:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your  gentleness (moderation, KJV) be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice, or JOY AGAIN always! When circumstances move you out of joy...JOY AGAIN in the Lord!! When anxiety hits, as a first option PRAY and PETITION- (meaning a SPECIFIC request), with thanksgiving, indicating you're praying in FAITH, and you will experience God's peace, even through dire situations.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you

God is a God of exchange. He doesn't just tell us, "Don't be anxious" He gives us what to think about.  I love the first category, "Whatever is TRUE..." The enemy is a deceiver. (John 8:44) He lies and suggests to get us anxious and distracted.  A practical step you can take before being overcome with anxiety, is to ask yourself this question, "How true is what I'm thinking right now...?" then follow the instructions given in this passage...it will change your life!! 

**If your anxiety issues are at a crisis level, seek help! Proverbs admonishes us to get counsel and advice in everything from our plans to waging war. (Prov. 11:14, 15:21-23, 20:18) A wise person heeds sound instruction and advice.**

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - FAITHFULNESS 01/28/15 - SADELL BRADLEY

  
Faithfulness is the concept of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something and putting loyalty into consistent practice, regardless of extenuating circumstances. In wedding vows, we pledge our faithfulness, "I plight thee my troth (loyalty)," affirming that we will be exclusive in love and intimacy with the one we have linked our lives to forever.  Faithfulness also expresses fidelity in more common things: a faithful customer at a store or restaurant, a faithful employee, or a faithful fan of a team or artist.  Finally, the phrase, "the faithful" describes those who have a strong religious belief that keeps true to its teachings or doctrines with a steadfast perseverance.  Paul describes us as "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God," and emphasizes that "those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." 1 Cor. 4:1-2 

Mother Theresa founded the Missionaries of Charity with 4500 sisters  to run hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and leprosy, soup kitchens and orphanages, mobile clinics and schools for the impoverished and those who were forgotten of society. She said, "We are called upon not to be successful, but to be faithful."  Ironically, her faithfulness brought great notoriety as she fulfilled God's mission for her life.

Faithfulness is a God-like characteristic. Jesus is described as Faithful and True.(Revelation 19:11) Paul said that in Christ's faithfulness He will protect and deliver us both from the evil one, and from wicked people. (2 Thes. 3:2-3)  Proverbs 28:20 promises that, "A faithful man will abound in blessings." Jesus urged His disciples about faithful stewardship in Luke 16:10-12:

“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? “And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?

 

When I meet the Lord the one thing I want to hear is..."Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come share in your Master's happiness." (Matthew 25:21)

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - RESILIENCE - 01/21/15 SADELL BRADLEY

Resilience is the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity. It is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulty; toughness. I admire those like this soldier, who for the sake of a greater call, have suffered great losses and set backs. They possess an indomitable spirit: one that is impossible to subdue or defeat.  Where most would have given up and quit, they continue on to do what seemingly could not be done. 

Nelson Mandela, endured 27 years of what was meant to be a will-crushing imprisonment, fighting against the injustices of apartheid in South Africa. He was locked up at age 46 and released at 73. Most of us would have emerged with our spirit broken, just grateful to be alive and free, and certainly resentful of our captors.  Not Mandela, he arose with strength and grace, with a forgiving heart, and the will to lead not only those who had battled with him, but those who fought against him. President Mandela  said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Resilience.
 

Jesus, suffered the greatest agony ever known to be our atoning sacrifice: the anxiety of the Garden of Gethsemane, an unjust trial, and the cruelest death by crucifixion. He was not only marred physically until unrecognizable; He carried the entire weight of sin for the whole world, past, present, and future. He felt the separation from His Father that sin brings, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46)  Jesus was not only left for dead; He was dead, and buried. But on the third day, He bounced back! rising from the dead with a glorified body, appearing to His disciples many times, showing them his wounds, and even walking through walls!  Jesus emerged not as a suffering Savior, but as God and King! and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us!

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.(Romans 8:11)

We can bounce back from sin, faults and failures. When we die, those who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior will live again eternally with Him!  Even now in this earth, if we have a spirit of resiliency that is willing to go through whatever it takes... we can recover! What was dead can be raised! What was hurt can be healed! The broken can be restored! What was lost can be found!

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - INFLUENCE - 1/15/15 - SADELL BRADLEY

Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. It is the power to shape policy or ensure favorable treatment from someone, especially through status, contacts, or wealth.  It derives from the Latin influentia "to flow," and also describes 'imperceptible or indirect action exerted to cause changes.'

Each year, Time Magazine reveals it's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.  They are separated into five categories: Titans, Pioneers, Artists, Leaders and Icons.  There are great names like Pope Francis, Robert Redford, and Beyonce, who have impacted the lives and culture of so many on a public stage. Still, there are many others who wield just as much influence incognito: engineer Tony Fadell - the father of the ipod, Ertharin Cousin from the South Side of Chicago, who is responsible for bringing food to more than 100 million people around the world as the head of the U.N.'s World Food Programme, or Robert & Kristin Lopez, who wrote "Let it Go,"the theme song to the hit movie Frozen.

Jesus Christ is easily the most influential person in history.  His life and teachings have shaped the laws of governments, and set the standard for the character of individuals.  He is singularly loved, worshiped, and respected - even in other religious circles. Our calendar has been set with A.D. & B.C. signifying His birth as the most significant day in history.  The book about Him is the best-selling book of all time. His powerful yet humble mission to leave His throne in Heaven and come to earth, live spotlessly and die on a cross to save billions of undeserving sinners, showed God's love to the world He created. It is the greatest show of love and grace the world has or will ever know. (Phil 2) None of us have actually seen or spoken with this figure of historical record face to face... yet His Words wield a power that influences our mores, values and decisions to this day.  We yield ourselves to His revealed purpose and attempt to model ourselves after His Divine personality.  John Maxwell simply states, "Leadership is Influence."

You may be a person of note in the City, State, Nation or World, or you may be a behind the scenes influencer whose conversation, wisdom and insights impact the decisions of a more public figure.  You may be raising, teaching, or mentoring a child or adult who will become a significant voice. As Christ followers, the salt and light of the world, we hold much more influence than we realize. Let's be prayerful to ensure that the direction of that influence is Godly and impactful.

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - REFINE - 1/7/15

To refine is to remove impurities or unwanted elements from a substance,  or to improve something by making small changes, in particular to make (an idea, theory, or method) more subtle and accurate. Synonyms for refine are to purify, treat or process. In ancient times, gold was refined with fire using a high temperature to bring it to its desired level of purity.

Refining with flame is one of the oldest methods of refining metals. Mentioned even in the Bible, refining by fire is the preferable method for larger quantities of gold. This form of refining involved a craftsman sitting next to a hot fire with molten gold in a crucible (as above -a ceramic or metal container in which gold was melted) being stirred and skimmed to remove the impurities or dross that rose to the top of the molten metal. With flames reaching temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees Celsius, this job was definitely a dangerous occupation for the gold refiner. (Ref. Gold Traders)

A crucible is figuratively a place or occasion of severe test or trial. It is also defined as a place or situation in which different elements interact to produce something new. Scholars suggest that the lamp that was held over a cross was called a crucible.  There is much association in the Bible between severe tests, fiery trials, and the refining or purification process of God's chosen: 

"He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness." Malachi 3:3

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3

For You, God, tested us; You refined us like silver. Psalm 66:10 

The Apostle Peter admonishes us that the use of fiery trials for refining is normal for the Believer, and it brings us closer to the likeness of Jesus Christ.  "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13) We often question the fiery trial and ask for it to be brought to an end.  We want God to turn down the heat, not turn it up!  Little do we realize that the temperature is hotter and the flame higher because God is making us better and bringing forth purer and greater quantities of what is precious! James said we are to consider or count it joy when we face these varied trials. The result of the finished work of patient endurance, the trial of our faith, and the wisdom we gain along the way is that we'll be brought forth as mature and valuable saints who lack nothing! (James 1:1-4)