Part I >Trials & Temptations: A scriptural understanding

As we take a look at the topic of understanding what Scripture means when it discusses the terms “trials” and “temptations”, let’s first look at two of the prominent verses that tackle these troublesome obstacles to our lives.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you

face trials of many kinds, because you

know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything. ” James 1:2-4 (NIV)

 

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.”  James 1:12-16 (NASB)

In our Christian walk, we all encounter various kinds of trials and temptations. The two are not the same.  Notice that James mentions trials and temptations as separate entities.  One similarity is that we are snared by Satan in both kinds of circumstances if we aren’t prepared to react with godly responses. The difference relates to Satan’s modus operandi when he employs one or the other.  Let me explain.

Trials originate from without and are aimed at testing our faith. If we respond to them in a joyful manner, they result in our maturity and completeness in Christ (cf. James 1:2-4).

On the other hand, temptations originate from within. This is because the enemy of our souls entices us with our own evil desire (lust). He loves to throw out lots of golden baits as he tries to appeal to our senses.  In all these endeavors, he seeks to do us harm by wishing and hoping that we would bite into them. If we do, he will draw us deeper and deeper into the snare of his net with the aim to keep us in a life of sin. However, we must never let Satan win the battle. Instead, the Bible says we should resist him (cf. James 4:8), always remembering that “Greater is He (Christ) that is in us than he (Satan) that’s in the world.” (cf. 1 John 4:4).

A Deeper Look

As we look at some significant points that highlight the differences between the two forms of real life challenges, think about your own level of spiritual maturity as the Lord brings issues you have faced to mind.

Trials:

What does a trial accomplish and how should we respond to it practically?

The footnote below, found in my New Living Translation, reveals a trial as being synonymous with a testing. When we understand the goal of being tested and what the Lord has in mind when He allows us to go through the fire, we learn a great deal:

We can’t really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It is easy to be kind to others when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly? God wants to make us mature and complete, not to keep us from all pain. Instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth. Thank God for promising to be with you in rough times. Ask Him to help you solve your problems or give you strength to endure them. Then be patient. God will not leave you alone with your problems; he will stay close and help you grow.

 Temptations:

So what goals does Satan have in mind when he sets out to tempt us?   A stanza of an old hymn gives us this insight:

“Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.”

(YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION, Retrieved on 10/8/2007 from http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Yield_Not_to_Temptation )

It is often in a moment of weakness that Satan will strike at us. Dr. Charles Stanley’s commentary of 2 Samuel 11:1-5 clarifies this for us:

• “Scripture is filled with descriptions of men and women who sinned in moments of weakness. The first of these true stories is Adam and Eve. First Corinthians 10:11 says these stories are given for our instruction. God wants us to learn from the mistakes of others.

• King David’s idleness caused his mind to contemplate adultery with Bathsheba. Weariness led Elijah to view death as preferable to life. Genesis 3:6 indicates pride may have played a part in Eve listening to the serpent. Lust may have prompted Solomon to desire many wives, including unbelieving ones. Add to these a sense of spiritual or emotional neediness and emptiness, and we have at least six situations that are fertile ground for temptation. In some biblical examples, temptation was resisted. But in others, the individuals gave in. We can all identify.

• The many different types of temptation follow a similar pattern. The eye looks, the mind desires, and the will acts. King David looked at Uriah’s wife and inquired about her. Then, he acted. Joshua 7:20-21 tells the story of Achan. He helped in the Jericho conquest and noticed all the material wealth. Then, he coveted it in his mind and took what he wanted.

• Regardless of the reason for vulnerability, each person is responsible for his actions. In times of weakness, don’t let yourself become too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. This warning forms the acronym “H.A.L.T.” Most importantly, we need to fix your attention on the Lord, draw strength from Him, and experience victory over temptation [Taken from In Touch Devotional of June 25, 2007 by Dr. Charles Stanley. Emphasis added].”

As we close this first in the series of taking a look at trials vs. temptations, let’s go back to one of the key verses quoted at the beginning of Part I.  After discussing trials and temptations, the apostle James issues a caution to us: “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:16).  This is therefore a call for us to emulate King David’s example of commitment and trust in the Lord to rescue him in Psalm 25:15: “My eyes are continually toward the LORD, For He will pluck my feet out of the net. “  Next time we will take a look at how we can victoriously overcome temptation and stand firm at the times of trials.

The Power of Prayer, Part 1

 While growing up, I recall occasionally seeing the phrase, “Prayer changes things,” in the homes of fellow Christians.  I also remember hearing quite regularly from seasoned believers that, “God answers prayer.”

 I wondered at times if prayer did really work.  We’ve all prayed and seen people pray with no apparent results, and we’ve doubted or questioned whether it really mattered if we prayed or not. Let me share with you how I have grown in my prayer life and in my belief in God who hears and answers our prayers. 

When I was in High School, I lived in a Christian foster home in Kenya where we believed that God supplies all our needs, including putting food on our table. Though I never doubted God’s power to provide, I thought that perhaps God provided only in response to the faith of our parents.  I had another interesting thought lingering at the back of my mind which I never shared with anyone.  It was this: “Maybe Mum & Dad have some well- to- do friends who provide for our needs.”  In response to a prayer, the Lord allowed something to happen in order to teach me that all our needs are met by Him. 

Around that time, my foster parents had to be away from home for almost two months.  It was during this time that I asked the Lord to prove to me that He really provided for us at the home.  It wasn’t long after saying my prayer that my trust in the Lord solidified, and I started to have an unwavering faith in His hand to meet all our needs.  I became convinced that God does indeed answer prayer through this experience seeing Him provide steaming-hot, ready-made food for us for lunch one day while I was living in the foster home. Let me recount my unforgettable day: 

It was regular school day.  Nick, who was holding the fort for Mum & Dad, told us that there was no money in the bank to buy food and that we should pray for the provision of our lunch. The situation was really desperate in that we did not even have bread to eat with our tea that morning.  

After breakfast we left for school.  After five hours, we came home for lunch. The cook still had nothing to cook, but by faith he had laid the table in anticipation of God’s miracle.  We prayed and were ready to simply have a glass of water before walking the 25 minutes back to school when suddenly, we heard a Mercedes beep in our drive way. The man, who was of Asian origin, motioned us to come and get some food. The food was already made, and we could tell it was still hot by the steam rising up from the booth (trunk) of his sleek car.  He had brought us lots of rice, stew, and other East Indian goodies, which we truly enjoyed.  We all thanked God for answering our prayer in such a generous and specific way! 

We continued to receive God’s wonderful provisions until our parents returned.  And in the ensuing days, months, and years after they got home, our family never ceased to see the Lord provide for us in both small and big ways. I still praise the Lord some twenty years later that He used that instance in my youth to build my faith in the power of prayer.  

Through my practice of prayer discipline over these years, I can say with certainty that “prayer does change things.”  The Lord either alleviates the unpleasant circumstances and uncertain situations in our lives, or He grants us His grace to deal with them. 

I can also say that “prayer changes people.”  Prayer changed my unbelief in the power of prayer into an unflinching belief in its power!  I now have faith in God (cf. Mark 11:22), and know that He hears and answers the prayers of His children.  Of course, it may not always be in the way that we want Him to answer, but it is in accordance with His plan and purposes for and through our lives. 

I believe in praying for both small things as well as for the biggest thing we can ask Him: for the salvation of loved ones and friends. The Bible tells us that there’s joy in heaven over the salvation of even one soul (cf. Luke 15:10)!  This may often be the result of prayer from one’s friends, relatives, and neighbors.  How many of you are or know someone who attributes their salvation to the power of a praying mother, friend, etc.?  

In my prayer life, I often start by asking God to change my heart.  I like to come into my prayer times showing Him that my heart’s desire is to be ever true to His Word and to seek His face always (cf. 1 Chronicles 16:11).  I don’t want to ever depend on my own strength, but rather on His strength, which never fails. 

Fifteen days ago, during a party to celebrate receiving my religious worker’s visa, a friend gave me a beautiful card with a verse on the power of prayer.   The card contains the words by Danny Hahlbohm, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the late 60’s and early 70’s.  At the end of his tour of duty, he received a miracle from God and became a devoted Christian. After returning to the United States following being honorably discharged from the Army, he decided to use his artistic talents to honor God and to spread His Word. 

Few people recognize Danny Hahlbohm’s name but many remember his painting, “Footprints in the Sand”, which was inspired by Mary Stevenson’s 1939 poem. Here are the words within the card titled “THE POWER OF PRAYER”. They are inspirational:  

THE GREATEST POWER GOD GIVES TO US

IS THE POWER THAT’S FOUND IN PRAYER:

WHEN WE SHARE WITH HIM OUR HURTS AND FEARS

WITH FAITH THAT HE IS THERE.

WE CANNOT RULE OUR LIVES OURSELVES,

OR EVEN FIND A WAY, BUT HE GIVES US POWER TO FIND HIS HELP

EACH TIME WE KNEEL TO PRAY.

I thank God for the power of prayer and for the exhortation we find in His Word to pray. Jesus assures us saying, “When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there” (Matthew 18:20, according to THE MESSAGE by Eugene H. Peterson).  

In Part II of this series, I will be sharing about the power of prayer in relation to sickness and suffering. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. 

Some Scripture verses and comments on the Glory of God

Since last week I have been thinking about the importance of giving glory to God. I am therefore sharing with you some Scripture verses[1] that have meant a lot to me on this matter.  I am also providing a commentary on each of these verses.

In the table below, I highlight three Scripture verses that deal with the glory of God. I would love to read your comments on any of these verses or on any other verses that have blessed your heart.

#	Scripture Verses	Comments
1	2 Corinthians 4:6: “For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).” AMPLIFIED BIBLE	As God commanded the light to shine in the darkness (Gen. 1:3), so He “turns on” the light in our hearts so others can see who Jesus is. He is the Light of the World. Apart from Him, the all bright and beautiful One, we cannot see. Prior to meeting Jesus, our eyes were blinded (see 2 Cor. 4:4). Praise God that through Jesus we can now see the glory of God, and others see it  reflection in us.
2	Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.”	Behind every design is a designer. The Scripture here declares that God is the Creator. The vast expanse we see, therefore, is a testimony of His craftsmanship (cf. Psalm 8:3).
3	Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”	Our good works cannot save us, but the kind of faith that saves us (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9) is a faith of good works (cf. Eph. 2:10 & James 2:14-18). When we let our light shine through our good works, our Heavenly Father gets the glory.

 

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[1]Note: Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture verses are taken from: The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV); Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Loyalty is attractive and compelling

This morning I listened to Pastor Brian Houston of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. The message was on Hillsongtv.com and was about loyalty. After reading Proverbs 19:22, in the New Living Translation, he reiterated that “loyalty makes a person attractive.” It is a quality that has a lot to say about who we really are. Loyalty draws and attracts because it has a charisma to it.

Fred Reichheld in his book, The Loyalty Effect, defines loyalty as the willingness to make an investment or personal sacrifice to strengthen a relationship. I thought the following story that I later read about a juror who helped a prisoner find Christ was an outstanding illustration of loyalty and its amazing results. Here’s the story:

On Tuesday, August 27, 1996, Shawn Hagwood began a journey of learning that would turn his life around. Earlier that week, 19-year-old Shawn made a cross-country trip to visit a friend in Rochester, Minnesota, a quiet, conservative community known for the famous Mayo Clinic. One night, he and his friend accompanied a group of local guys to an apartment complex inhabited mostly by Somalian residents. They were headed there with bats to settle a score with some of the residents for beating up one of their friends the night before. When they arrived at the complex, a group of guys came out to meet them with golf clubs. Things got out of control and a young Somalian kid from the apartments was seriously injured when someone in Shawn’s group swung a baseball bat. By the time the police got there, everyone involved had disappeared and the episode was classified as a racial gang crime of white guys against the ethnic residents …

Shawn was definitely part of the fight that summer night, but he never held a bat and was not the person who injured the kid. Still, when the authorities came knocking, the local guys Shawn had hung out with that night used him as an easy scapegoat, since he was from out of town. When the police brought Shawn in for questioning a few days later, it would be his last day as a free man for the next eight years …

Even though Shawn was basically on the fringe of the crime, and the only one put on trial at this time (two were brought to trial three years later and given a much lighter sentence), the jury came back with the verdict: Guilty …

Shortly after entering prison life, Shawn got his first visitor—one of the men from the jury. He thought maybe the man was there to help him get a new trial, but soon discovered he was simply there to be a friend. Though he initially put up a tough exterior, Shawn was happy to have company.

Shawn remembers, “He introduced himself as Dave Stensland, a clinical psychologist. He had driven four hours just to see me and to find out how I was doing. When he stood up to leave, I felt disappointed, but Dave promised to come again soon.”Dave began regular monthly visits. They talked about everything from Shawn’s life goals after prison, to Dave’s evident faith in God, to how Shawn could cope with the sometimes paralyzing stresses of prison life and his bitterness over the injustice of his sentence.

For seven years, Dave visited Shawn faithfully …

By far Dave’s most important influence on Shawn was his faith. “He showed me the peace of someone who is close to God, but in everything he did, and said, he was gentle. Because he shared Christ’s love with me consistently through the years, I began to open up more to the Lord.”

As Shawn studied the Bible with Dave, his life began to change. Through Dave’s example and guidance, Shawn finally found peace and purpose. He prayed to receive Jesus Christ into his life.

In the summer of 2003, after seven years of monthly visits, Dave’s wife Sandy called Shawn with the sudden and shocking news—Dave was dying of cancer.

The man who had mentored and loved Shawn like one of his own sons had only a short time left on this earth. Shawn recalls, “Although I didn’t want to live without Dave, I was so thankful that I had a chance to have him in my life for so long.”

A few weeks later, Shawn called Dave to see how he was doing. Sandy told him he was just in time to say goodbye. Dave was so weak that Sandy had to hold the phone up to his ear.“

He couldn’t respond much, but I knew he could hear me,” Shawn says. “It would be the last time I talked to him and it was a very hard conversation, but I was so glad that I was able to have it. I thanked him for everything that he had done and for being such a good friend to me. I told him, ‘I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for you.’ And then we said goodbye.”

A year later, Shawn was released from prison three years early for good behavior, and Sandy Stensland was there to give him a big sendoff. With tears of happiness she hugged him tightly.“

Shawn, I know Dave would be so proud of you—and I’m proud of you, too,” she said. “Your life is going to be different now. Just remember that God has great things in store for you, and He’s giving you another chance.”

And who is Shawn Hagwood today? Besides being a happily employed software developer, he also uses his story to encourage others who are struggling with life, especially young people …

Because Dave Stensland took seriously Jesus’ suggestion to “visit the prisoner” (Matt. 25:36), a young man’s life was saved.”

© 2007 Christianity Today International. The story is a condensed version of an article written by Julie Ferwerda, “Sentenced to Life,” Today’s Christian (July/August 2007). For more articles like this, visit Today’s-Christian.com.

The love of Philemon speaks volumes

You are getting the Monday devotional thought on Tuesday instead of Monday. The reason for my delay in posting it is the fact that yesterday was Labor Day here in the United States. I, therefore, took some time off to relax and hang out with friends.  To better understand the Labor Day celebration I turned to Google. Here’s what I found:

 “For a lot of people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and the end of summer. But why is it called Labor Day? Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to working men and women. It has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States and Canada since 1894.”  Retrieved on 9-3-2007 from http://people.howstuffworks.com/question459.htm 

So what did I do for Labor Day and what was God’s Word on my heart for the day? In the morning I went biking with some friends. Then, from the afternoon to evening, we joined some church singles for some fellowship. We ate fish, hushpuppies, and a few other yummies while relaxing in one another’s company. What a great time!

 

During our 9-mile bike ride around a lake, we stopped near the halfway point and got a drink of water. While pausing to refresh ourselves, we shared with each other the Scripture verses we had recently been studying: Philippians 4:13, Matthew 10:42, and Philemon 1:7.

 

Philemon 1:7 was the Scripture that I shared with my friends. It’s actually a Scripture that a friend in Switzerland e-mailed to me four days ago with the following encouragement:

“This verse brought BLM [Barnabas Leadership Ministries] to mind.  May the Lord continue to bless and equip you for this important ministry.”

 

The verse says, “For I have derived great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints [who are your fellow Christians] have been cheered and refreshed through you, [my] brother” [Amplified Bible]. We note here that the love of Philemon not only brought joy and encouragement to Paul, who was in chains, but also refreshed the hearts of the saints, i.e. Christians who met at Philemon’s house. This love is the basis on which Paul makes a plea to Philemon to accept Onesimus, a former runaway slave and recent convert to Christianity.

 

Under the Roman law, a slave that ran away from his master could face the death penalty. However, the apostle Paul encourages Philemon to accept Onesimus back as a “beloved brother” (v. 16) rather than allowing the law of the land to take its own course.

 

The love of Philemon speaks volumes. The description of this servant of God is worth emulating. How uplifting and refreshing to be around someone like Philemon! He is a true encourager through His love and deeds.  Coffman Commentaries on the Old and New Testament gives this emphasis concerning Paul’s confidence that his request would be honored by Philemon:

Fundamentally, Paul’s only hope for Onesimus had its fountain in the kind of man Paul knew Philemon to be; therefore, he dwells upon that before making his request. In the last analysis, he will ground his appeal on the fact that Philemon is “a brother.” “No higher compliment can be accorded to any Christian.”  In the Greek, the warm address, brother, comes at the end, throwing even greater emphasis upon it.

How would you like others to describe you? Would you make a commitment this week to share the love of Jesus with others through your words of encouragement and acts of generosity? Remember we have no love of our own. Our only hope is in the love of God that “has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5).

Growing Through Adversity

Psalm 1:3 mentions a tree that is planted by the waterside, that is not easily moved even when hard times come. Actually, there’s an old song based on the strength and standing of this tree. It says, “I shall not, I shall not be moved. I shall not, I shall not be moved. Just like a tree planted by the water side, I shall not be moved.”

 

Yes, the seashore tree is often buffeted by winds and waves from the sea, but it is able, as the Psalmist says, to withstand them and bear fruit each season without fail. The secret lies in the fact that the tree has developed resistance and strength to face the next sea wave or strong wind that may assail it.  These seasonal trials cause its root system to mature and become firm as they go deeper and deeper into the ground. In my quest to understand how the roots of such a tree work, I came across this explanation:

 

 Tree roots anchor the tree in the soil, keeping it straight and stable, and absorb water from the soil. Tree roots also take nutrients and chemicals out of the soil and use them to produce what they need for the tree’s growth, development, and repair”  (Retrieved on 8/27/07 from http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/newsletter/treeroots.htm)

 

The tree that the Psalmist makes reference to is one that has matured to deal with the process of adversity. It exemplifies the life of a Christian who has learned to “delight in doing everything the Lord wants” (v. 2) and has disciplined himself/herself in the meditation of God’s Word. The strength and support that a believer draws from the Lord and from the fellowship of other believers enables him/her to navigate through their adversities.

Recently, I taught a Sunday school class on the topic, Growing through Adversity.  This was part of a series of lessons from Jerry Bridges’ book, Trusting God when Life Hurts. I began my preparation by looking up the meaning of adversity. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines adversity as a state, condition, or instance of serious or continued difficulty. 

Are you going through adversity in your life right now? Have you or someone you know encountered some seemingly catastrophic event? Are you enduring a season of pain that has no apparent conclusion? The words of the book of James, which I memorized when I was in Bible College, always bring consolation and perspective to me in the midst of adversity. I would encourage you to memorize them if you are going through a trying time right now, or in preparation for difficulties that Scripture says are inevitable. James offers these words of encouragement in Chapter 1 verses 1 through 4:

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 

One of our human failings is to seek to explain tragedy and difficulty in easily packaged, and sometimes not biblically thought-through, terms. Consequently, we expect, even demand, that God direct events in a manner that suits our definition of blessing without praying for His will to be done. Yet Scripture assures us that our senses may not grasp the reason or understand the season of our suffering.

 

God speaking through Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that our minds are finite and cannot comprehend the ways and workings of our infinite, holy and loving Heavenly Father. We should be watchful and alert during our prolonged periods of adversity. It is particularly at such times that Satan will tempt us to doubt God’s love. We must, as Jerry Bridges advises in his book, resist him and his attempt to cause us to lapse into hard feelings towards God. Here’s the full rendering of Mr. Bridges thought:

 

When we are in the midst of adversity and, as it frequently seems to happen, calamity after calamity seems to be surging in upon us, we will be tempted to doubt God’s love. Not only do we struggle with our own doubts, but Satan seizes these occasions to whisper accusations against God, such as, “If He loved you, He wouldn’t have allowed this to happen.” My own experience suggests that Satan attacks us far more in the area of God’s love than either His sovereignty or His wisdom.

 

There are a number of things we can do in order to learn from adversity and receive the benefits that God has in store for us.  Jerry Bridges highlights three. First, we must submit to it voluntarily i.e. as a patient on the operating table submits to the skilled hand of the surgeon as he wields his scalpel. We must always remember that God is the Master Surgeon, who wants us to be conformed into the image of His Son Jesus Christ. He does this by cutting away anything that is not in line with His will. Jerry Bridges continues:

 

God uses adversities to develop the spiritual “muscle system” of our lives. We can be sure that the development of a beautiful Christ-like character will not occur in our lives without adversities.

 

Second, to enhance our learning experience during adversity we must bring the Word of God to bear upon the situation. It was Martin Luther, the Father of Protestant Reformation, who once said, “Were it not for tribulation I should not understand the Scriptures.” The revealed Word of God makes it possible for us to interpret our adversity rightly.

 

Third, in order to profit from our adversities we must remember them and the lessons we learned from them. For instance, I waited 15 months for my visa to be issued by the US government. Of course I had times of doubt and wondered about the delay and at the same time asked myself, “What lesson is the Lord trying to teach me?” But never once did I doubt God’s love and His will for my life. In retrospect, I learned to trust God and realized He is never late, His timing is perfect. I also pondered anew on God’s Word, refreshing and encouraging myself with it, while seeking my Father’s face.

In a previous study, Jerry Bridges wrote about God’s ways and man’s inability to comprehend them. At the same time, he stressed the importance of surrendering ourselves to God’s will. He said “God’s ways, being the ways of infinite wisdom, simply cannot be comprehended by finite minds. Our response should therefore be: ‘God I do not have to understand. I will just TRUST you.’” [Emphasis added] 

So if, indeed, we grow in our moments of adversity, in what areas does that manifest? Jerry Bridges provides a list of seven areas where we experience spiritual growth. I will simply list them and let you read some more on them in Jerry’s book. When God allows adversity in our lives, He has the following in mind:

1. Pruning
2. Holiness
3. Dependence              
4. Perseverance
5. Service
6. The Fellowship of Suffering
7. Relationship with God