The man with the bracelet

This isn't an WSOP bracelet. It's the man we met at poker night two weeks ago, with the W.W.J.D. bracelet on his wrist. We promised to tell you the rest of his story.

He told us he grew up a Christian, but drifted away from the faith. He didn't tell us what happened, but last October something led him back to a relationship with the Lord.

Now he's back to regular Bible reading, he told us -- and he's playing poker locally as well. Like others, he sees no verse in Scripture which specifically condemns gambling.

We suggested a big Bible word applies to how you play poker, as well as how you deal in general with finances. We'll look at that word another time -- but right now we ask: are you like this man we met? Have YOU drifted away from God, and are playing poker merely to get rich quick or get away from your personal problems?

If you're a drifter, here's some good news: God wants you back. In fact, He sent His Son Jesus Christ in part as a "buy-in" -- to buy you back from sins which hold you captive.

Titus 2:13-14 says Jesus Christ "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

"Redemption" is a term old-timers might apply to green stamps. Collect enough stamps, and you can redeem them for a prize. In God's case, it's the blood of Jesus which redeems us from sin.

We're writing this during a "Holy Week" for many people -- when Jesus gave His life to redeem us. If you'd like to enter that agreement and come back to God as our playing partner did, follow Peter's advice in Acts 2:38. "Repent and be baptized.... in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...." (KJV) If we can help you with that in any way, please e-mail us.