Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.

I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.

FEBRUARY 28

Proverbs 28:6: "Better is the poor [person] that walketh [who walks through life] in his [or her] uprightness [honesty, integrity], than he [or she] that is perverse [wicked or corrupt] in his [or her] ways, [even] though he [or she--the 'perverse' person] be rich."
In other words, poor people with integrity (meaning they are honest and have strong moral principles, or high moral standards) are better than rich people without integrity (meaning they do not possess those qualities).

Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. In it, we learn that it is not wrong to be rich. In fact, physical wealth is one way in which God blesses his people (e.g., Adam and Eve, Abram, Lot, King David, Job, etc.). However, the Bible contains many warnings about the dangers of wealth.

Near the end of the commentary, after giving examples of the various ways in which people try to get rich, Pastor Delany says:

"h. People are willing to sacrifice, suffer, leave everything behind; to cross oceans, exert themselves, study; pay high tuitions; etc.--do almost anything to have the chance to make it in this life--to strike it rich.

"i. This proverb states that although a man may be willing to go without many things in order to be rich, a wise and godly man should NEVER be willing to give up his integrity in order to be rich.

"j. Even though poverty can be a real trial and includes suffering and grief, it is still better to be poor and walk in integrity, than to be rich and not have integrity.

"k. A man might obtain many earthly treasures that are valuable beyond description; but they are not as valuable as integrity.

"l. Ideally, everyone would prefer to be both rich and honest -- like [King] Solomon.

"m. But this proverb makes a bold statement in a proverbial and thought provoking way: integrity is better than riches."

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-28-index/proverbs-28_6/.

FEBRUARY 27

Joel 3:19: "Egypt shall be a desolation [ruined country], and Edom [see note below*] shall be a desolate [uninhabited] wilderness, for [on account of] the violence [that they have committed] against the children of Judah [referring to the Jewish people who are descendants of Abraham, through his son Isaac and grandson Judah--see note below**], because they [the people of Egypt and Edom] have shed [spilled, poured out] innocent blood [or 'murdered innocent people'] in their land."
The above verse should serve is a warning to the enemies of Israel.

*You can read about Edom in the article entitled "Who/what is Edom (Obadiah 1:1, 8)?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Edom-Obadiah.html.

In addition, in his commentary on the above verse, Albert Barnes describes in detail the former glory and current condition of Egypt and Edom. If you want to read it, go to https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/joel-3.html and scroll down to "Verse 19."

**Abraham and his wife, Sarah, had two sons, Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac married Rebekah and had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. When Jacob grew up, he wrestled with God one night and was renamed Israel. Jacob had four wives (Leah, Zilpah, Bilhah, Rachel) and a total of 13 children--one daughter and 12 sons. One of those sons was named Judah.

To read brief synopsis (summary) of these events and see Abraham's family tree, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham%27s_family_tree.

FEBRUARY 26

Proverbs 26:27: "Whoso [whoever] diggeth [digs] a pit [a large hole in the ground] [to capture things like wild animals and people] shall fall therein [shall fall into it himself or herself]: and he [or she] that rolleth [rolls] a stone [or large rock] [up a hill, for example], it will return [roll back down] upon him [or her]."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, this verse is about plans that backfire. In other words, people who do bad things to try and harm others will often get caught in their own trap.

Here are some excerpts from the pastor's commentary:

"C. 'You Reap What You Sow'

"1. Both illustrations [in the above verse; i.e., digging a pit and falling in, and rolling a stone and having it return on you] teach this same truth [i.e., that you reap what you sow].

"2. This is such a common concept it is found in literature worldwide:

"a. Ancient Proverb -- 'Before you begin on the journey of revenge, dig two graves.'

"b. Shakespeare: 'The wheel is come full circle.'

"c. Latin proverb -- 'He prepares evil for himself who plots mischief for others.'

"d. Japanese proverb: 'All evil done clings to the body.'

"e. American proverb: 'What goes around comes around.'

"3. The difference between this principle in the book of Proverbs and other literature:

"a. The Bible is inspired by God; the others are not.

"b. The principle found in the Bible is based on the Providence [protective care] and Sovereignty [supreme power] of God--not on fate, or the gods, mother earth, or karma."

A little farther down in the commentary, Pastor Delany writes:

"6. This concept [of reaping what you sow] is found often in the poetic portions of God's Word [such as the book of Psalms].

"7. We read examples of it in the historical narratives of the Old Testament:

"a. Haman was hanged on the very gallows he had built to hang his enemy.

"b. The presidents who schemed to have Daniel cast into the den of lions were themselves cast into the den of lions.

"8. It is like the justice of the law: an eye for an eye -- the harm you seek for others will be your own punishment."

And then, following some quotes from Proverbs, the pastor writes:

"7. Solomon has brought up this same principle over and over again in this book [of Proverbs]-- in many different settings: criminals; violent men; fools who reject wisdom; backsliders [people who are going the wrong way, spiritually]; gossipers; those who plot evil against others.

"8. And while the principle may be worded in many various ways, the same principle applies."

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-26-index/proverbs-26_27/.

FEBRUARY 24-25

Prayer: Asking and Receiving

1 John 5:14: "And this is the confidence that we [born-again Christians] have in him [God], that, if we ask [for] any thing [through prayer] according to his will [as revealed in the Bible], he [God] heareth [hears] us:"

1 John 5:15: "And if we know that he [God] [will] hear us, [regarding] whatsoever [whatever] we ask, we know that we have [been granted] the petitions that we desired [or 'the things that we have requested'] of him."
If we want to make sure that God hears and answers our prayers, we need to (among other things--see note below*) ask according to his will.

In his commentary on the above verses, Albert Barnes said:

Concerning verse 14:

"That, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us - This is the proper and the necessary limitation in all prayer. God has not promised to grant anything that shall be contrary to his will, and it could not be right that he should do it … The limitation here, 'according to his will,' probably implies the following things:

"(1) In accordance with what he has 'declared' that he is willing to grant. Here the range is large, for there are many things which we know to be in accordance with his will, if they are sought in a proper manner - as the forgiveness of sins, the sanctification of the soul [i.e., the gradual attainment of spiritual maturity and becoming more like Jesus Christ], … comfort in trial, the needful supply of our wants, grace that we may do our duty, wisdom to direct and guide us, … deliverance from the evils which beset [trouble or threaten] us, the influences of his Spirit [i.e., God's Holy Spirit] to promote the cause of religion in the world, and our final salvation [referring to God's gift of eternal life in heaven] …"

The phrase according to his will probably also implies:

"(2) … what 'he' [God] sees to be best for us …

"(3) … what … will be 'consistent' for God to bestow upon [grant, give to] us … [For example:] It is better that an idle man should not have a harvest, though he should pray for it, than that God should violate the laws by which he has determined to bestow such favors as a reward of industry [hard work], and [that he should] work a special miracle in answer to a lazy man's prayers.

"(4) … what will be for the good of the whole [meaning everyone] …"

Concerning verse 15 :

Mr. Barnes said that sometimes God's answer to prayer is delayed. That's because:

"(a)The prayer may relate to something future, as protection on a journey, or a harvest, or restoration to health, or the safe return of a son from a voyage at sea, or the salvation of our souls [in this case, when we will be enjoying eternal life in heaven, which will occur at the rapture or when we die, whichever comes first] - all of which are 'future,' and which cannot be expected to be granted at once; [or,]

"(b)… The 'delay' may arise from such causes as these:

      "I.To try our faith, and see whether the blessing is earnestly [sincerely] desired.

"(2)Perhaps it could not be at once answered without a miracle.

"(3)It might not be consistent with the divine [or 'with God's] arrangements respecting others to grant it to us at once.

"(4)Our own condition may not be such that it would be best to answer it at once.

"We may need further trial [testing of our faith], further chastisement [scolding or punishment], before the affliction [cause of pain or suffering], for example, shall be removed; and the answer to the prayer may be delayed for months or years. Yet, in the meantime, we may have the firmest assurance that the prayer is heard, and that it will be answered in the way and at the period [of time] when God shall see it to be best."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-john-5.html, "Verse 14" and "Verse 15")

Also commenting on the above verses, Pastor Chuck Smith wrote:

"… the purpose of prayer is not to get your will done, and that's a common mistake that people make about prayer. They think that it's some genie in a bottle that's going to pop out and grant you your three wishes. Not so. The purpose of prayer is to get God's will done …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-john/5-14.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")

*Regarding asking according to God's will, another Bible commentator points out these facts:

"… God's promise of answering prayer, however, is not a blank check, the qualification laid down here being only one of a number of Scriptural limitations on it. Others are: prayers must be offered in faith (Mark 11:24), in the name of Jesus (John 14:14), and by one abiding in [remaining connected to] Christ (John 15:7). Furthermore, only those who have forgiven (Mark 11:15); and only those whose prayers flow out of an obedient life (1 John 3:22), and who will not use their blessings for the gratification [satisfaction] of their lusts and passions (James 4:3), may properly claim in confidence the answer of their prayers."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-john/5-14.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")

FEBRUARY 23

A Picture of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church at the Rapture

Song of Solomon 2:10: "My beloved [or 'my loved one,' referring to Jesus] spake [spoke], and said unto me [the Christian church, personified, which is also called the 'Bride of Christ'], Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away [which is what all born-again Christians will do when we meet Jesus in the air and fly away to heaven with him in the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17)]."

Song of Solomon 2:11-12: [All of the following things normally happen in the spring in Israel (and also in the United States) around May and June:] "For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come [has arrived], and the voice of the turtle[dove] is heard in our land [in this case, referring to Israel];"

Song of Solomon 2:13: "The fig tree putteth [puts] forth her green [or early] figs, and the vines with the tender grape [representing Israel] give a good smell. Arise [stand up], my love, my fair one, and come away."
Current world events indicate that biblical prophecy is being fulfilled very quickly. The Bible says that before the Antichrist is revealed and the seven-year tribulation begins, born-again Christians must be removed from the earth. That's because the Holy Spirit (who is referred to as "he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way" in 2 Thessalonians 2:7,8) lives in our hearts. We don't know exactly when that will happen, but most likely it will be very soon.

An interesting article about the above verses and the rapture is entitled "Song of Solomon Contains an Amazing Reference to the Pretribulation Rapture as Being in Springtime." If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/song-solomon-contains-amazing-reference-pretribulation-rapture-springtime/.

Hal Lindsey wrote about the rapture and tribulation in his recent article, entitled "And We Will Rise," which can be found here: https://www.hallindsey.com/ww-2-20-2022/.

FEBRUARY 22

This psalm applies not only to the Jews but to people in general:

Psalm 44:20-21: "If we have forgotten the name of our God [Almighty God, the one true God, whose name is YHWH, or Jehovah--see note below*; i.e., if we have stopped worshiping him], or [if we have] stretched out our hands [in prayer and/or adoration] to a strange [false] god [and thus, according to the Bible, have committed idolatry]; Shall not [Almighty] God search this out [be aware of it]? for he knoweth [knows] the secrets of the heart [or mind--see  note below*]."
God knows everything.

*Gotquestions.org has articles that answer the following questions:

-- "What is the name of God?"
     (https://www.gotquestions.org/name-of-God.html)

-- "What is the mind, biblically speaking?"
     (https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-mind.html)

FEBRUARY 20-21

Proverbs 20:10: "Divers [different, unequal] weights [for example (in Bible times), of stones on one side of a balance scale and something else on the other side--see note below*], and divers measures [unequal quantities in devices used to measure things (like grain, tea, and sugar) on a scale], both of them [i.e., divers weights and measures] are alike [or 'are both'] abomination [a repulsive, offensive, disgusting thing] to the LORD [God]."

Proverbs 20:23: "Divers weights are an [an] abomination unto the LORD; and a false [deceitful] balance is not good [in the sight of God and mankind]."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, the above verses (which essentially say the same thing) refer to people who use deceptive business practices to cheat and steal. As confirmed by the above verses, "diverse weights" are an abomination to God, which means that he hates them!

Here are some excerpts from the pastor's commentary:

Regarding "weights and measures" (balances or scales):

"1. Weights and measures were instruments used to conduct business in ancient times before paper money."

"4. Balance: Set of scales; i.e., an implement for weighing, consisting of two balance pans with a standardized weight in one pan and the object to be weighed in the other."

"b. … A false balance is an abomination.
"• If the balance arms were of unequal length, the scale would appear to say that they were equal, but they would not be equal.
"• It works like a seesaw. The short end requires more weight to balance the bar.
"• Thus, dishonest merchants could use a 'false balance'--with arms of unequal length."

Examples of dishonest business practices:

"f. … In recent years some companies have chosen a sneaky way of getting more money from us.
"• Instead of raising the price, they made the product smaller… but just a little smaller so you might not notice. (Ice cream; coffee cans; bread.)
"• The size of the product is reduced, but the price is not reduced--so you are really paying MORE per ounce for the product, even though the can has the same price.
"• It is not stealing, because the new cans are labeled in small print."

"4. We don't use stones and scales to buy and purchase today, but the principle applies just as well in the modern world.

"a. Some companies keep two books instead of two stones. They keep one book for the IRS and the auditor, and another book for their own records. (That's like having two different weights.)

"b. Gas stations have been caught in skimming scams. They tweak [make an adjustment to] their pumps so that you are not getting a full gallon, even though the pump SAYS you are… and even though you are PAYING for a full gallon. That IS stealing and is against the law. Thus, they have two measures--one measure the customer actually receives (9/10 gal.) and the other is what he pays for (a full gallon).

"c. Today thieves steal identity. They have their own IDs and credit cards for everyday use. Then they have YOUR credit cards and IDs for when they go on a shopping spree."

Why 'divers weights and measures' are an abomination to God:

"b. The two (weights and measures) are BOTH the same…

"c. It really doesn't matter HOW you cheat with these instruments.

"d. Whether you put an unequal weight in the scale for items sold by weight, OR if you use the wrong size measuring basket for items sold by volume, the bottom line is the same.

"e. You're cheating! You're stealing! It is a dishonest scam. You're a crook!

"f. And today, it doesn't matter by what MEANS we cheat or steal from others… every method is alike an abomination [to God]."

If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-20-index/proverbs-20_10/.

Matthew Henry, another Bible commentator, said:

"… In paying and receiving money, which was then commonly done by the scale, they had divers weights, an under-weight for what they paid and an over-weight for what they received; in delivering out and taking in goods they had divers measures, a scanty [small] measure to sell by and a large measure to buy by … Whether they be about the money or the goods, in the buyer or in the seller, they are all alike an abomination to the Lord …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/20.html, "Verse 10")

*Definition of balance scales, from the MathIsFun.com website:

"A device for weighing. It has a balanced beam and two pans.

"When the pans contain exactly the same mass [or are the same weight] the beam is in balance.

"You can place an object in one pan and standard weights in the other to find what the object weighs."

To see what a balance scale looks like and how it works, click here: https://www.mathsisfun.com/definitions/balance-scales.html.

FEBRUARY 19

Referring to the gospel and plan of salvation, the apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 11:33: "O the depth [deepness, complexity] of the riches both [or 'and'] of the wisdom and knowledge [omniscience (ability to know all things--past, present, and future)] of God! how unsearchable [unable to be investigated] are his [God's] judgments [counsels and purposes], and his ways [of carrying out his purposes concerning the gospel--see note below*] [are] past finding out [cannot be comprehended, or fully understood, by human beings]!"
*Regarding the above verse, one Bible commentator wrote:

"As Paul considers the amazing nature of God's plan [regarding salvation; i.e.], to leave the Jews in unbelief so that the way [to eternal life] might be opened to the Gentiles [non-Jewish people], and then sees how this in turn will result in the Gentiles going to the Jews with the Gospel [the good news that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins], he cries out in amazement …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/romans/11-33.html, "Pett's Commentary on the Bible," "Verse 33")

FEBRUARY 17-18

Christians Are Guided and Protected by God

Psalm 37:23: "The steps of a good man [or woman or child, referring to born-again Christians, who are considered 'good' by God because they have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and, as a result, are covered by his righteousness] are ordered [directed, guided] by the LORD: and he [God] delighteth [delights, takes pleasure] in his way [i.e., the path that the 'good' person chooses to follow in life]."

Psalm 37:24: "Though he [or she--the 'good' person] [may] fall [into temptation, trouble, etc.], he [or she] shall not be utterly cast down [ruined, unable to get back up]: for the LORD upholdeth [upholds, supports] him [or her--the 'good' person] with his hand."
In other words, God guides his people and takes care of them.

Regarding the steps of a good man being ordered by the LORD, Matthew Henry said:

"… By his providence he [God] overrules the events that concern them [the 'good' people], so as to make their way plain before them, both what they should do and what they may expect. Observe, God orders the steps of a good man; not only his way in general, by his written word, but his particular steps, by the whispers of conscience, saying, This is the way, walk in it. …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/37.html, "v. 23")

FEBRUARY 16

Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goeth [goes] before destruction, and an haughty spirit [an arrogant, conceited, stuck-up attitude] [goes] before a fall [a calamity, or disaster]."
In paragraph 1 of his commentary on today's verse, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church says that pride is an awful thing, and he tells us why:

"a. It was because of pride in Lucifer [Satan, the devil] that sin entered the universe… He became proud of his wisdom and beauty.

"b. Pride is at the center of virtually all sin[;] [people may say things like]: 'I can do this myself. I don't need God. I don't have to do it God's way. I am able to act independently of God. My way is as good as His way.'

"c. Pride causes us to puff ourselves up above others… and look down on others.

"d. Pride causes us to rely on self…

"e. Pride causes us to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think."

And in paragraph 2, discussing the phrase Pride goeth before destruction, and comparing prideful people to defective pottery which must be broken and re-formed by the potter, the pastor says:

"d. God may have to knock us down and break us if there is pride in our hearts.

"e. Sometimes He [God] has to break our piggy bank… sometimes He has to break a bone… He may have to break our heart… God wants our heart…"

The commentary also contains examples of people in the Bible who were "destroyed" due to pride. They include Belshazzar (who lost both his kingdom and his life), Nebuchadnezzar (who lost his kingdom and became insane), and the apostle Peter (who was humiliated when he denied the Lord).

If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_18/.

FEBRUARY 15

In a letter to the saints (born-again Christians) at Philippi, comparing himself to an athlete in the Olympic games, the apostle Paul wrote:

Philippians 3:14: "I [Paul] press [on, or run] toward the mark [the 'finish line,' referring to the end of the Christian race] for [so I can win] the prize [in this case, an incorruptible (everlasting) crown, or reward, in heaven] of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus [which means that God had called Paul, through the gospel of Jesus Christ, to run the Christian race]."
God has called all born-again Christians, not just Paul, to "press toward the mark" and win the prize.

Commenting on the above verse, Albert Barnes said:

"… The calling of the Christian [men, women, boys, and girls] is from heaven, and to heaven … He [the Christian] has been summoned by God through the gospel of the Lord Jesus to secure the crown. It is placed before and above him [or her] in heaven. It may be his [or hers], if he [or she] will not faint or tire or look backward. It demands his [or her] highest efforts, and it is worth all the exertions which a mortal [a human being] can make even in the longest life."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/philippians-3.html, "Verse 14")

FEBRUARY 14

Regarding one of the duties of Christians, the apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 12:9: "Let love [for others] be without dissimulation [without hypocrisy or pretense, or 'let love be sincere' (genuine, not fake)]. Abhor [hate] that which is evil [in this case, referring to unkindness rather than to evil in general]; cleave [hold on tightly, become attached, stick, cling] to that which is good."

FEBRUARY 13

Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning [of time,] [out of nothing,] God created the heaven [referring to the universe, or the part of heaven that can be seen,] and the earth."
In today's verse, the plural form of the Hebrew word is used to describe God, which means that all three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) who comprise the Godhead were involved in the creation process.

FEBRUARY 12

Proverbs 12:4: "A virtuous [strong, hard-working, morally excellent] woman is [like] a crown to her husband [because she is valuable, provides support, and brings honor and joy to him]: but she [the woman] that maketh [who makes] [her husband] [feel] ashamed [frustrated, humiliated, disgraced--by her bad behavior (unfaithfulness, gossiping, laziness, nagging, etc.)] is as rottenness in [or is like cancer eating away at] his [her husband's] bones."
Through their actions (good or bad), wives can build their husbands up or tear them down, and in the process, they will help or hurt themselves as well.

Since a married couple is a unit or team, Salem Bible Church's commentary on the above verse includes specific examples of how the wife's behavior can affect her husband. Near the bottom of his commentary, under the heading "Conclusions," Pastor Delany has good advice for young men seeking a wife.

If you want to read the pastor's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-12-index/proverbs-12_4/.

FEBRUARY 11

Proverbs 11:12: "He [or she] that is void of wisdom [i.e., a person who lacks wisdom (good judgment and common sense)] despiseth [hates] his [or her] neighbour [neighbor, friend, acquaintance, etc.--and shows it by saying bad things about him or her, whether true or false]: but a man [or woman or child] of understanding [i.e., a wise person] holdeth [holds] his [or her] peace [or remains silent, if and when he (or she) hears offensive things being said about others or about himself (or herself)]."
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church's, this verse is about the tongue. People who say bad things about others often do so because they lack wisdom rather than self-control.

Here's an excerpt from the section in the pastor's commentary about holding one's peace:

"4. The man of understanding may look at his neighbor… and see a multitude of faults.

"a. But his wisdom causes him to PITY his neighbor--not lash out at [or say something nasty to] him.

"b. His wisdom causes him to PRAY for his neighbor--not slander him [by telling lies that may, or will, damage his reputation].

"c. His wisdom will cause him to keep his peace before men--and pour his heart out for that neighbor [in prayer] before the Lord.

"d. If his neighbor is overtaken in a fault, rather than gossiping all over town about his fault, the spiritual man will attempt to 'restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering himself lest he also be tempted.' That's wisdom.

"e. If our neighbor… or our child… or brother… or spouse… has a fault, the fool will blab [talk too much, speak without thinking, reveal secrets]. The wise man will keep silent--and try to help.

"f. The wise man does not try to pick a fight… he tries to pick him [the other person] up."

If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-11-index/proverbs-11_12/.

Albert Barnes summed up the meaning of the above verse as follows:

"None but the man 'void of wisdom' will show contempt [disrespect] for those about him. The wise man, if he cannot admire or praise [someone], will at least know how to be silent."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/proverbs-11.html, "Verse 12")

FEBRUARY 9-10

War, Violence, Covetousness (Greed), Selfish Prayers

The apostle James wrote this in a letter to the twelve tribes of Israel (specifically, Jewish Christians), but what he says really applies to everyone in the world:

James 4:1: "From whence [where] come wars and fightings [heated arguments, disagreements, etc., leading to violence] among you [Jewish people]? come they not hence [do they not come from this place], even of [from] your lusts [desires for pleasure and other things that you don't have] that war [fight] in your members [i.e., in various parts of the human body (mind, limbs, etc.] [in other words, don't they originate from lust?--see note below*]?"

James 4:2: "Ye lust [you want things], and have not [don't have them]: ye kill, and desire to have [what other people have], and cannot obtain [those things] [in a fair and honest way]: ye fight and [carry on] war [with one another], yet ye have not [you don't have the things that you want], because ye ask not [you don't ask God for them]."

James 4:3: "Ye ask [God, in prayer, for things], and receive not [don't receive them], because ye ask amiss [with the wrong motives, for the wrong reasons], [so] that ye may consume it upon [waste it on, satisfy] your lusts [desires for worldly pleasure, power, etc.] [see note below**]."
Lust is a powerful thing and causes many problems.

*According to Albert  Barnes:

"… The desire of booty [stolen goods, especially when taken during war], the love of conquest [victory], the ambition [desire] for extended rule, the gratification [pleasure, satisfaction] of revenge, these and similar causes have led to all the wars that have desolated [ruined, destroyed] the earth. …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/james-4.html, "Verse 1")

Regarding asking amiss in prayer, to consume it on our lusts, Pastor Charles Ward Smith gave some excellent examples in his commentary on James 4:1-2:

"… You know a lot of these things that we desire, if we would just ask the Lord about them, and if it is right, God will give it to us. If it is not right he won't, because you can ask and receive not because you ask amiss, just to consume it on your own lusts. You see, people misunderstand the purpose of prayer. The purpose of prayer is never to get your will done upon the earth. And yet, how often we think of prayer as just that, the agency by which I can get my whims and wishes accomplished. 'Now Lord I want you to do this and I want you to do that and I've got this list of things I want you to do before Friday.' And we think of prayer as a marvelous agency by which I can get all my wishes and all my desires accomplished.

"I thought of prayer in that light for years. I was always trying to make deals with God. Now you do this and I will do this. How can you lose, trying to strike a bargain with the Lord? And I used prayer, or sought to use prayer, as a means by which I could fulfill my desires. I know a lot about this verse,

"you ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, to consume it upon your own lusts ( James 4:3 ).

"I prayed for some of those beautiful custom cars that use to drive around Santa Ana [California] when I was in High school. Man, how I prayed for some of those cars. Well, they were for sale, but believe me; I was wanting it to consume it on my own lusts. Oh, I tried to strike a deal with God. I told him I would pick up kids and bring them to Sunday school. 'You know Lord, I will give you the use of it a couple hours a week, after all.' Boy, did my mind have plans for the rest of the week, cruising down Newport Beach.

"So many of our prayers have selfish motivation behind them, and many times the selfish motivation is actually hid from us. But if I really begin to probe I find that behind the prayer there is a strong selfish motivation. There's my son; he's going astray [off the right path] a little bit. He is doing things I don't approve of, I wish he wasn't doing these things. I'm becoming concerned. He is coming in too late at night. He is running with bad companions. 'Oh, God, turn my son around, bring him to a real commitment with Jesus Christ.' In the deep deep of my heart, I'm thinking what if he should get in trouble, be arrested. Boy, what kind of headlines would that make? 'Pastor's Son Arrested.' I will be a disgrace to the family. We would have to go through the embarrassment of him being in jail. 'Oh Lord save him, you know, bring him around,' but what am I really thinking.

Here's a husband, not walking with the Lord; 'Oh God save my husband. Lord help him make a commitment to Jesus Christ.' And in my heart I am thinking, 'Boy it would be so nice if he were saved, I think he would treat me nicer, he would probably say grace before the meals and I think it is so wonderful when a family says grace before the meals. He would even go to church with me, and oh I wish he were sitting by me in church. Oh, Lord, save my husband.' You see it is not that he is a rebel against God and he is going to be destroyed if he is not changed. It's not really for him, but it is for the conveniences that it might bring to me.

"Prayer is not an agency by which my will is to be accomplished upon the earth. The purpose of prayer is to get God's will to be accomplished upon the earth, and so many times we ask and receive not because the motive behind our asking is really that of accomplishing my will rather than God's will. And if my will is in conflict with God's will, God is not going to change His will to accommodate me, for God is not subservient to [less important than, subordinate to] me, I am subservient to Him. And the purpose of prayer is never to change the mind of God to see things my way. It isn't to persuade a reluctant God to do things my way. The real thrust and purpose of prayer is to get God's will done. That's why many times we ask and receive not because we ask amiss. Our own desires are too much entwined [interwoven] into it."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/james/4-3.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")

FEBRUARY 8

Psalm 19:7: "The law of the LORD [referring to the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), which contains instructions and guidance from God] is perfect [complete], [and is capable of] converting the soul [from sin to salvation, returning us to a right relationship with God]: the testimony [witness] of the LORD [God] [in the Bible] is sure [trustworthy, dependable], making wise the simple [referring to people who are humble and teachable, or even those who are weak and foolish]."

FEBRUARY 1-7

Excellent Advice for Moses: How to choose godly leaders and set up a successful government for Israel

This took place after the Exodus, when the children of Israel (the Jewish people) escaped from Egypt and crossed the Red Sea.

Exodus 18:12: "And Jethro, Moses' father in law [who was the priest of Midian], took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God [in appreciation for all that God had done to keep the Jewish people safe]: and Aaron [Moses' brother] came, and all the elders [the older men who were leaders] of Israel [also came], to eat bread [and other food] with Moses' father in law before [in the presence of] God [where the sacrifices had been offered]."

Exodus 18:13,14: "And it came to pass on the morrow [the next day], that Moses sat [down] to judge the [Jewish] people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. And when Moses' father in law [Jethro] saw all that he [Moses] did to [for] the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest [you are doing] to the people? why sittest thou thyself [why do you sit] alone, and all the people stand by thee [you] from morning unto even [evening]?"

Exodus 18:15-16: "And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of [get directions from] God: When they have a matter [of controversy (a disagreement)], they come unto me; and I judge between one [person] and another, and I do make them know the statutes [ordinances, decrees] of God, and his laws."

Exodus 18:17-18: "And Moses' father in law [Jethro] said unto him [Moses], The thing that thou doest [you are doing] is not good [for your health]. Thou wilt [you will] surely wear away [become exhausted], both thou, and this people that is with thee [you]: for this thing [judging the Jewish people] is too heavy [a task or burden] [meaning it is too difficult] for thee; thou art [you are] not able to perform it thyself [yourself, or 'you can't do it'] alone."

Exodus 18:19,20: "Hearken [listen] now unto my voice, I [Jethro] will give thee [you, referring to Moses] counsel [advice], and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward [Jethro was telling Moses that he should the representative of the people, or the mediator (link) between them and God], [so] that thou mayest [you may] bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt [you shall] teach them [the Jews] [God's] ordinances [rules] and laws, and shalt shew [shall show] them [the people] the way wherein they must walk [or the path they must follow], and the work that they must do."

Exodus 18:21: "Moreover thou shalt provide [select, choose] out of all [of] the people able [wise, capable, and experienced] men, such as [those who] fear [respect and obey] God, [and who are] men of truth [not liars--meaning they are honest and trustworthy], hating covetousness [or, in this case, unjust (dishonest) gain--meaning they won't accept bribes]; and [you shall] place [appoint] such [men] over them [the Jews], to be rulers [leaders] of [groups of] thousands [of people], and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:"

Exodus 18:22: "And let them [the men who were chosen to rule the various groups] judge [govern] the people at all seasons [times]: and it shall be, that every great [important] matter they shall bring unto thee [you, Moses], but every small [minor, unimportant, insignificant] matter they shall judge [decide] [themselves]: so shall it be easier for thyself [you], and they shall bear the burden [carry the weight or responsibility] [of ruling and judging the people] with thee."

Exodus 18:23: "If thou shalt [if you are willing to] do this thing [what I (Jethro) have suggested], and [if] God [shall] command thee [you] [to do] so, then thou shalt be able to endure [last, hold up (remain strong), continue to do your job], and all this people [the Jews] shall also go to their place [either to the promised land (Canaan, which was promised to them by God) or to their own tents or homes] in peace."

Exodus 18:24,25,26: "So Moses hearkened [listened] to the voice [advice] of his father in law [Jethro], and did all that he [Jethro] had said. And Moses chose able [capable] men out of all [of] Israel, and made them heads [rulers, judges, governors, and officers] over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they judged the people at all seasons [times]: the hard causes [cases, matters, things] they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves."
Although the actual numbers are different from those mentioned in verses 21 and 24-26 above, Jethro's advice has been, and still is, followed by national, state, and local governments and by militaries, courts, organizations, etc., throughout the world. For example, in the United States, state and federal cases in the lower courts can be appealed to higher courts, all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Here are two articles that help to explain the United States court system:

-- "Introduction To The Federal Court System
    (https://www.justice.gov/usao/justice-101/federal-courts)

-- "Comparing Federal & State Courts
    (https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure/comparing-federal-state-courts)