A. There are times when the Holy Spirit directs us to cease praying about certain things. The burden in such an instance is lifted. Generally, however, most people have the prob lem of not praying enough. In Luke 11:8 we have the account of the im portunate friend who continues to ask that he might be given his neces sities. Because of his very insistence, he received that for which he was asking. You see, prayer is not to be offered thinking we can change God’s mind; it is rather that our lives may be changed to accept God’s will in all of our experiences of life. If the matter is of sufficient importance, the Lord does want us to pray, and to keep on praying! Our Lord hears and will answer according to His infinite wisdom and abundant riches. Q. Albuquerque, N.M. — “Does the Bible say anything against gam bling?” A. As such it is not specifically men tioned in Scripture. In Matthew 27:35 we find the account of the Roman soldiers who gambled for our Lord’s garments. This casting of lots, however, is not the same as what Joshua did when he divided the land. This is in reference to Prov. 16:33. While no commandment may specif ically use the word gambling yet the over-all testimony of the Bible is against it. How much sorrow, sin and tribulation has come as a result of such activity whether lawful or illegal! Gambling has never been looked upon with favor in the church. It is not an honest way of making money as the Lord wants us to. Q. Sacramento, Calif. — “I am the vic tim of malicious gossip in my neigh borhood and my church. The things said, about me are completely untrue. What can I do to make these people realize how cruel they have been to me?” A. One should be absolutely certain
that the rumors are completely un founded. Then, the best way to dis prove what others say is by a con- READ THE BIBLE It is one thing to read the Bible through, Another thing to read to learn and do. Some read it with design to learn to read, But to the subject pay but little heed. Some read it as their duty once a week But no instructions from the Bible seek; While others read it with but little care. With no regard to how they read or where. Some read to bring themselves into repute. By showing others how they can dispute; While others read because their neigh bors do; To see how long 'twill take to read it through. Some read for the wonders that are there— How David killed a lion and a bear; While others read it with uncommon care, Hoping to find some contradiction there. Some read as if it did not speak to them, But to the people of Jerusalem. One reads with father's specs upon his head. And sees the things just as his fa ther said. Some people read, as I have often thought, To teach the book instead of being taught; And some there are who read it out of spite. I fear there are but few who read it right. sistent life of honesty and faith. Be as nice to these people as possible. Your gracious spirit will “heap coals 28
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