rayer not only changes the circumstances of those who pray and those for whom others pray. It also changes those who pray.

here is great serenity to be gained in knowing that we have a heavenly Father who is concerned with the trials and tribulations His children face in this life. Our minds can be at rest after going to Him in prayer, leaving with Him the anxieties that we feel from time to time. We can share with Him our deepest thoughts and fears, and be at peace within. This is probably one of the most frequently overlooked benefits of prayer. We should ever seek this great “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, [and] will guard [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7)

n seeking and receiving an audience with the Father, joy is made full (John 16:20-24). The Lord taught His disciples that they would go through a time of sorrow, but that their sorrow would become joy. He compared this to a woman in travail—while in anguish she will be sorrowful; but when the baby is born, she will forget the sorrow. He then told His disciples that their lack of joy was due to their failure to ask God for His blessings. When we ask the Father to bless us, therefore, we can have great delight in knowing that He will grant us the things that we ask.

hose who pray live in hope—desire plus expectation (Matt. 7:7). All through the New Testament we are encouraged to be watchful, ever aware of the temptations we must face. We are instructed to be strong, alert and careful. The underlying motivation for watchfulness is the knowledge that we must persevere to the end in order to receive an eternal home with God. Prayer plays an important role here. As we pray the hope of eternal reward is reinforced, because we realize that God hears us and supplies those things necessary to a godly life. We not only desire, but also fully expect the things for which we pray. Prayer, then, intensifies the hope of our soul’s eternal salvation.

inally, prayer strengthens those who pray (Phil. 4:13; Ps. 105:1-4): While it is true that we must “put on the whole armor of God” if we would “stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11), a measure of strength also comes from the conviction that God has heard and will answer our prayers, if we come before Him and seek Him continually. We can petition Him for help in times of weakness, and find strength in His word through His Son Jesus. God’s people should more fully appreciate this great source of spiritual strength. &

GAMBLING (Part Two of Four)

By Kenneth Thomas

n an article on the evils of gambling by Gene Frost in a publication he edited some time back, he quoted from an old report put out by the Senate Crime Investigating Committee by the late Senator Estes Kefauver, some facts that are as current today (except for the statistics) concerning the number of states having legalized gambling, as they were in the 1950s: "Gambling produces nothing and adds nothing to the economy or society of our nation. America will be in a bad way if we ever resort to taxing crime and immorality for the purpose of raising revenue to operate our institutions. The fascination many people have with gambling is so strong that, in my opinion, it would be complete folly to make the facilities more available than they presently are."

t doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the wisdom of the Senator's statements above. He didn't quote even one passage of Scripture and none is needed to see the "folly” of legalizing gambling in our society. Common sense and the existing facts concerning the great damage gambling has caused [and continues to cause] cannot be denied. Gambling was not in the best interest of society then and it hasn't become such today. Of course the Christian will take into account the spiritual consequences of gambling when making a decision whether to gamble or to refrain (1 John 3:4; 5:17; Col. 3:17; 2 John 9-11).

f some legislators get their way everything will be legalized from "Pot" and other drugs to prostitution and homosexuality along with so called "same sex marriages." Much of this is done under the guise of making an income for the state coffers.  How silly can otherwise smart men and women be? For every dollar gained through the taxes on liquor, tobacco and other drugs, according to an outdated survey I read, it cost the taxpayers over $7.00 to pay for just the physical damages done by those consuming these substances. That number has probably quadrupled by now, and that doesn't take into account the broken homes, abused children and battered women. Nor does it take into account the souls that will be lost in eternal torment! All of this resulting from attempting to make something that is wrong and sinful in the eyes of God legal in the courts of our land.

here are still some states that have not legalized the lottery, but most cannot seem to wait until the overcome all opposition and join the ranks. Many refuse to listen to the folks in other places with the lottery and other forms of legalized gambling who have pointed out that the expected revenue wasn't being generated.  Many were hoping to have a great educational system due to said lottery, and already we hear rumblings from educators in states with the lottery that the money just hasn't been forthcoming as they were promised and as they expected. Even if it was, what are we teaching our young people by financing the educational system with gambling money? We are teaching them that "the end justifies the means" that's what.  It doesn't even need proof for an honest person to know that were there is legalized gambling, organized crime usually called "the mob," moves in along with other vices that accompany casinos etc.  Just ask the folks in Atlantic City among other places and Listen to what has happened there.

he above quote is one I have heard time and again or something akin to the same. I wonder if folks really believe that anything that isn't "specifically forbidden" is alright. If so, they are just wrong to put it bluntly.  There are many things condemned in principle that aren't mentioned. The fact that the Bible tells a Christian how to make his living rules out certain other money making schemes or activities. By divine inspiration the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, wrote: "Let him that stole steal not more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Eph. 4:28).

ccording to a report in the religious publication, "Christianity Today," many religious people are involved in gambling (July page 54).  It would be naive of me to think that none of my own brethren, members of the body of Christ are involved.  In fact, I know of some who regularly purchase lottery tickets and others who say they are terribly tempted to do so. & [To be continued]