I've been asked many times by Christians, "Is gambling a sin?" Some are surprised to learn that the Bible does not explicitly say, "Thou shalt not gamble." However, as Jack Zavada of Inspiration-for-Singles.com elaborates in this article titled, "Is Gambling a Sin?," the Bible does contain wisdom for dealing with every situation, including gambling. By gaining a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures we have a trustworthy guide for determining what pleases and displeases God.

• Read More: Is Gambling a Sin?

This week's post is a Prayer for Israel. With no end in sight to the turmoil in the Middle East, all signs and prophesies seem to point to an escalation in the violence and conflict. Yet no matter where you stand politically or spiritually regarding the current unrest in Israel, as Christians we can unite on one front: prayer.

Image: © Davide Guglielmo
Prayer for Israel

Dear Heavenly Father,

We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We are sad to see the violence and suffering as men, women, and children are injured and killed on both sides of the conflict.
Read more ... Prayer for Israel.

Do you have an original Christian prayer that would encourage or benefit a fellow believer? Perhaps you've written a unique poem you'd like to share with others. We are looking for Christian prayers and poems to encourage our readers in their communication with God. To submit your original prayer or poem, please fill out this Prayer / Poem Submission Form.

You'll find lions, leopards, and bears (no tigers), along with nearly 100 other animals, insects, and creatures in the pages of the Bible. I think it's safe to assume that God is an animal lover. Although the names of Bible animals vary from one translation to another and sometimes these creatures are difficult to identify, God's Word showcases numerous members of the animal kingdom.

Adding to the Bible Facts & Lists section of the site, I've put together a complete listing of Bible animals based in the New Living Translation with Scripture references provided for each animal.

• See All: Animals in the Bible

Sarah hadn't had a sober day in 15 years. She was drinking a fifth and a half a day. The emotional anguish and physical pain were becoming unbearable. One night she begged God to let her die. When she woke the next morning, a new Sarah began to live. Her cravings for liquor and cigarettes were gone. God's mercy had now replaced her pain and misery.

Sarah's true story is one of our many featured testimonies from you, the members and visitors of this site. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we would like to hear about it. Submit your testimony by filling out this Submission Form. To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for eTestimonies.

• Read: Sarah's Pain