ALLOWED TO SUFFER WITHOUT AN EXPLANATION OR REASON

“…although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause…” (Job 2:3 KJV).

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A “season of suffering” can catch you by surprise or catch you totally off guard. Yet “…[God]… does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

God allows or permits trials and tribulations as he pleases and he can do it “without cause.” “…although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause…” (Job 2:3 KJV). In other words, there may be no earthly reason for your “season of suffering.”

However, God “…[is]…GOOD and doest GOOD (even when he allows, his people, to go through “seasons of suffering”)…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “…all things (even “seasons of suffering”) work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose...” (Romans 8:28 KJV). It is Satan who “…[intends] …to harm [his people]…, but God [intends]… it (SEASONS OF SUFFERING) for [their] good…” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

God’s people can learn about “seasons of suffering” and be admonished from reading and studying the book of Job. “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

“Now all these things happened unto them (Job and others) for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

Job was an upright man and full of integrity, even God complimented him. Others may have revered Job as an upright man also. He may have had renown, as a righteous man, all over the land. In addition, Job, most likely, had his OWN image of himself too.

Compared to other humans, upon earth, at the time, there was no other as upright as Job. “…Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?...” (Job 2:3 KJV).

Job was so upright and full of integrity, it would never even cross the mind that he STILL needed to grow and develop spiritually. It would never cross the mind that being upright and full of integrity could become a prideful thing; whether intentional or unintentional. “…those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 NIV). “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV). “…do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “...if anyone thinks he(SHE) is something when he (she) is nothing, he(she) deceives himself (herself)...” (Galatians 6:3 NASB).

During his “season of suffering” Job was well aware of his righteous image, but, it seems, he forgot where his righteousness came from. His friends, however, saw he had forgotten too. “…So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes…” (Job 32:1 KJV).

Elihu, one of his friends, inspired by the Spirit, questioned Job about his righteous attitude. “…The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” (Job 33:1-9 KJV). “...Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me (Job’s image of himself). Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths (Job’s attitude about his “season of suffering”). Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man (Even in “seasons of suffering” God’s righteous ways are STILL prominent over man’s, including Job’s pandemic-like circumstances). Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters (God is ALWAYS “more” righteous even when he allows you to go through “seasons of suffering”)...” (Job 33:8-13 KJV).

Elihu didn’t accuse Job of any secret sin like his other friends, but he saw Job striving (fighting) against God, through his attitude about his allowance of his “season of suffering” and “without cause”.

Elihu also thought Job was justifying HIS righteousness over the righteousness of God, who chose to allow him to go through a “season of suffering.” “...Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God…” (Job 33:1-10 KJV).

Elihu saw Job’s attitude, which held his uprightness and integrity in a higher place than the uprightness and integrity of the DIVINE God, who picked him out and allowed him to go through a “season of suffering”. “...Elihu spake moreover, and said (to Job), Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?...” (Job 35:1-2 KJV).

Throughout chapters 36 and 37 Elihu witnesses and ministers to Job about the presence of God, the goodness of God, the sovereignty of God, the wonderful working power of God, and the divine greatness of God’s character, who is full of integrity and uprightness(righteousness) ALL the time. God NEVER changes. “...The LORD is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds...” (Psalms 145:17 NASB). “....As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him...” (Psalms 18:30 NASB). “...The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion...” (Psalms 116:5 NIV). “...You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right...” (Psalm 119:137 NIV).

“…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Elihu talked to Job about the GLORY of God. The ALMIGHTY and GLORIOUS GOD, who chooses to bestow his LOVE upon mere, finite, mankind. “...God has chosen you (finite mankind) from the beginning for SALVATION …” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB). “... You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you  ...” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…God chose [his people]  in Christ before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4).

 SO, the question is this: “...what are mere mortals (LIKE JOB or God’s people) that [God, the Holy Spirit]... should think about ...[them], human beings that [HE]... should care for [THEM?” (Psalm 8:4 NLT). "...What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention...”  (Job 7:17 NASB). "...What are people, that you should make so much of us, that you should think of us so often?” (Job 7:17 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, has CREATED the vast universe and galaxies and yet he takes the time to CARE for unworthy human beings with sinful natures that separate them from HIM. Nonetheless, “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE [first] LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “...We love [him], because HE “FIRST” LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). ^“….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). He has “….loved [mankind]...with an everlasting… love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…God is … love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).

“....The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “...All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…”(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

“...what are mere mortals (LIKE Job or God’s people) that [God, the Holy Spirit]... should think about ...[them], human beings that [YOU, God]... should care for [THEM?]” (Psalm 8:4 NLT).  

 “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for [mere mortals, human beings, his people, etc.]....” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Whatever comes into your life or whatever God ALLOWS to happen, “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…the [righteous God, full of integrity]... blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: ….After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons and his sons’ sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).

God took Israel through a “season of suffering” for forty years to humble them, to test them, and to see “…whether [they]… wouldest keep his commandments, or not…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

Forty years seems like a long time, but they refused, over and over again, to TRUST God. When you are going through a LONG or SHORT, “season of suffering,” trust in and depend upon God continually. Satan “…intended to harm [Job and God’s people], but God [intends suffering] for ...[their]...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV). “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

Do not LET the circumstances or the details make you lose sight of who God is or what his Word says. “…The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt (disrespect)? How long will they refuse to believe in me (trust and depend upon me), in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV).

God forgave them numerous times, but eventually he decided, “… not one of those who saw my glory (presence, goodness, and working power) and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt (with disrespect) will ever see it…” (Daniel 14:22-23 NIV).

 “…As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:..” (Romans 3:10 KJV).

“...For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “....there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

 “…They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE...” (Romans 3:10-12 KJV). “…There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (uprightness, goodness) …” (John 3:6 NLT). “….Apart from [God, the HOLY SPIRIT], you can do nothing (God’s people or Job cannot do righteous or good)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“...God’s ....gift of righteousness, for all who receive [it, is] .....through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…jesus Christ, [is] the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

“....there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “…he remains faithful, …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

Whether God’s people go through “seasons of suffering” he allowed or they bought them on themselves, God remains faithfully LOVING to them. “…he remains faithful, …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

 “...The LORD is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds...” (Psalms 145:17 NASB). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

 YET, “…. Again and again he rescued [his people], but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their [own] ...sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

“....there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “…he remains faithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

During “seasons of suffering” that God has allowed, even “without cause,” will you, ultimately, choose to continue to serve him? “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (GOD’s righteous allowance or SELF’s righteous attitude)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…choose LIFE (choose GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT & his righteous ways)…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

During some LONG “seasons of suffering” (not all), the WRONG mindset or attitude, can keep you there or stuck for years or permanently. “...For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.’ I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this wilderness; here they will die…” (Number 14:34-25 NIV).

“…whatsoever a man (woman) soweth, that shall he (she) also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he (she) that soweth to his (her) flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV). “…But my people would not listen to me...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“…They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“…They went backward instead of forward...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

God gave them what they choose and asked for instead of what he wanted or had chosen to ultimately bless them with. “... my people would not listen to me...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “...They kept doing whatever they wanted...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“...They kept ...following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“...They went backward instead of forward...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“...The people replied [to God], “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to...” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“...The people replied [to God], “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue...to, stubbornly [follow] our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“…So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say:  In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me…”(Numbers 14:26-29 NIV)

“...The Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive (fight) with man(kind)…” (Genesis 6:3 KJV). “…They DID NOT like to retain God in their knowledge, GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind…” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “...We will continue to live as we want to...” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“... We will continue...to, stubbornly [follow] our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

Many of God’s people will go through “seasons of suffering” and will NEVER make it through because of a lack of FAITH. "... Without faith (without trusting and depending upon the POWER of God) it is IMPOSSIBLE to please [him]..." (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

 “…The children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children…” (Exodus 12:37 NIV).

Out of 600,000+ people, only Joshua and Caleb remained TRUSTING and DEPENDING upon the POWER of God. “…Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun…” (Number 14:30 NIV).

God guarantees his people victory through “seasons of suffering” and promises them “…all things [will, not MIGHT, but
“WILL”]…work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose...” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

According to the bible, the victory is already won!!! “…In this [fallen] world ye (God’s people) shall have tribulation: but [they can]... be of good cheer, [because, God has already]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV).

It is unfortunate that so many of God’s people, during a “season of suffering,” will begin to walk by sight and not by faith. “….without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

Therefore, it is essential that God’s people continue, through it all, to “…walk by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

It is a CHOICE to TRUST and DEPEND upon God during a “season of suffering.” Without continuing in faith will be detrimental and will not turn out for the good or as victoriously as God intended. Therefore, God’s people CHOOSE willfully to “…walk by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). They KNOW “….without faith (continual trust & dependency upon God,) it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

God was displeased with Israel’s mistrust or lack of faith. God hasn’t changed about that. “….Without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13 :8 NIV).

Trusting and depending upon God brings a restful peace to his people. “…The plans [God has]…for you….[are]… not to harm you (but to give you REST)...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

 “... Let us (God’s people) labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man (woman) fall after the same example of unbelief (as Israel)…” (Hebrews 4:10-11 KJV).

The “seasons of suffering” God’s people go through can last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years. These trials and tribulations are events God uses to encourage, built, develop, or grow TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon HIM.

The greatest enemy of TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon God is a LACK OF FAITH.

“Seasons of suffering” will expose whether you will trust and depend upon God or not. Job lost everything after years of being an upright man. The Hebrew boys went through the fire after standing for truth. Yet they continued to trust and depend upon God.

A LACK of FAITH led “…the Lord [to say]…to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt (disrespect)? How long will they refuse to believe (TRUST and DEPEND upon) ...me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV).

“…Abraham believed (trusted and depended upon) God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). Righteous people (God’s people?) trust and depend upon God.

Therefore, righteous people “…walk by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).  Because, “….without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). “...for he(she( that cometh to God must believe (trust and depend) that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him...” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). “…This is the (indwelling) work of God, that ye (HIS people) believe on (trust and depend upon) Him (Jesus, his LIVING Word) whom he (God) hath sent....” (John 6:28-29 KJV).

“…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [THE] HEARTS [OF HIS PEOPLE]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…It is God who works in [HIS people] to will (to want to have faith) and to act (to actually have faith) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…FAITH COMETH (is empowered, grows) BY HEARING ....the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “...the [indwelling]... Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [HIS people’s] lives...[the fruit of faith]…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“... The God of peace, … equip(s HIS people) with everything good for doing his will, and ...he work(s in them) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory (to whom BE God’s presence, goodness, and working power) for ever and ever. Amen...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)

 

God’s people’s TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon HIM pleases HIM. God will MOVE MOUNTAINS, out of their way, when his people put their faith (their trust and dependency) in the POWER of his WORD. “...Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith (so little trust and dependency upon the power of God’s Word). Truly I tell you, if you have faith (trust and dependency upon God’s power that is) as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you…” (Matthew 17:19-20 NIV).

THE LACK OF FAITH (trust and dependency upon the POWER of God’s Word) will NOT please him.  The one who LACKS FAITH shouldn’t even EXPECT to receive anything from God. “...But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” (James 1:6-8 NIV).

This is NOT cruel. The bible SAYS: “…FAITH COMETH (is empowered, grows) BY HEARING ....the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “...the [indwelling]... Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [HIS people’s] lives...[the fruit of faith]…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“... The God of peace, … equip(s HIS people) with everything good for doing his will, and ...he work(s in them) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ...Amen...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)

“God … worketh in [his people], both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in… [them], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] [his people]... with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “…God will supply all [the FAITH you need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…my cup runneth over (with God’s EMPOWERING fruit of faith)…” (Psalms 23:5 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE (the fruit of faith;) ...all [his people] need. Then [they] will always have everything [they] need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

“…his divine power hath given unto [his people] ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

As one of God’s people, the most major work they have is to exercise FAITH or their TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon the POWER of God’s WORD, which is Jesus, the living Word of God. “…This is the (indwelling, empowering) work of God, that ye (HIS people) believe (trust and depend) on Him (Jesus, the WORD) whom he (God) hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in… [them], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God (that dwells within his people) ...does the work “IN” and “THROUGH” ...[them]. …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The (indwelling) HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH (the production of spiritual fruit “through” each of HIS people) …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “…The [indwelling] Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in ...[HIS people’s]... lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). “… [God’s people will]… bear much fruit, and …PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples (people)…” (John 15:8 NIV).

Therefore, “...In the day of prosperity [HAVE FAITH and]… be happy, But in the day of adversity [HAVE FAITH too and] consider-- God has made the one as well as the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14  NASB). “…Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

A “season of suffering” is not an excuse to stop having FAITH in God, but too many of God’s people do, just like the Israelites in the wilderness. A LACK of FAITH is about YOU and your OWN choice “NOT” to trust and depend upon God.

A LACK of FAITH is sometimes about 1). Reliance upon self-sufficiency: “..Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God....” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV).

2). Trusting and depending upon the finite self: “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe...” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV).

3). Refusal to surrender: “…You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me (Jesus, the LIVING Word); and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life...” (Mark 5:39-40 NASB).

4).Lack of hearing, seeing, or studying the Word of God: “...Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful...” (Joshua 1:8 NIV). “…My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV).

5).Ongoing practices (not mistakes or struggles to overcome sin, but) the ongoing practices of sin: “...Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear...” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV).

6). Willful disobedience: “... Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... who he is...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil ...Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s [SPIRITUAL] ... life is in them....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“..So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

7). Lack of prayer life: “…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV). “…Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:18 KJV). “….call upon me …and pray unto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV). “…If My people which are called by My name shall ... pray ...I WILL HEAL…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “...I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you....” (Hosea 14:5-9 NASB). “..instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers...” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). “…The LORD (“WILL” accomplish (or take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

8). Worrying nonstop: “…therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life …” (Matthew 6:25-27 NIV). “.. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers...” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). “…The LORD (“WILL” accomplish (or take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...He careth for [his people].” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

 “…He [was] wounded for [his people’s] transgressions, [he was] bruised for [their] iniquities: the chastisement of [their] peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes [his people] are healed (freed from WORRY, FEAR, SHAME, etc.)…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “...Peace I leave with [my people]...” (John 14:27 NIV). .“...my peace I give unto [god’s people]..” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace ...not as the world giveth, give I unto [God’s people. ...[Therefore, God’s people should]... not... [let their]... heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV).

9). Constant fear: “...Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?...” (Mark 4:38-40 NIV).

“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea...” (Psalms 46 NLT).

“... BE STRONG and of good courage, FEAR NOT, “NOR” BE AFRAID of them (problems, issues, trials, tribulations, concerns, divorces, or any of life’s sudden stresses, etc.): for the Lord thy God, he it is that DOETH GO with thee; he SHALL NOT FAIL thee; “NOR” FORSAKE thee...” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV). “...Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?...” (Mark 4:38-40 NIV).

 

10). Doubt: “…But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” (James 1:6-8 NIV).

“... whosoever ...SHALL NOT doubt in his(her) HEART, but SHALL BELIEVE...” (Mark 11:23 KJV).

11). Complaining against God: “And the people spake against God…” (Number 21:1 NIV).“...Yea, they spake against God...” (Psalms 78:19 KJV). “...Adam said, “The woman whom You (God) gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate...” (Genesis 3:12 NASB). “...the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp...” (Number 11:1 NASB). “...The Lord is the one you and your followers are really revolting against!?...” (Number 16:11 NASB). “...How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against Me? I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against Me...” (Numbers 14:27 NASB).  “...The people spoke against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food...” (Numbers 21:5 NASB).  ^“...The sons of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger...” (Exodus 16:3 NASB). “... Moses said, “This will happen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and bread to the full in the morning; for the Lord hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him. And what are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the Lord....” (Number 16:8 NASB). “...My complaint is with God, not with people...” (Job 21:4 NLT). “...Do all things without grumbling or disputing;...” (Philippians 2:14-15 NASB).