Do the Hustle?

It's an awfully tempting offer at National League of Poker -- the opportunity to play for a seat at the World Series of Poker Main Event in July, plus $750 travel expenses. So we entered a qualifying tournament this week and found these words highlighted when we clicked: "Sponsored by Hustler Casino."

Once we entered, we learned from ads that it's Larry Flynt's Hustler Casino in southern California. That admittedly made us a bit uncomfortable. So we couldn't resist bringing him up at the table....

Dealer: flopblogger wins Main Pot ($930) with Straight, ace to five
Me: :-)
ChipSmugler: gh
Me: (whew) Thanks
Me: PTL
ChipSmugler: lol
Me: (Larry Flynt notwithstanding)

Larry Flynt historically hasn't thought very highly of religion. That's really no surprise, since his career has been built on selling pornographic magazines. So a "Praise the Lord" might offend Flynt, but we're exercising our first amendment freedom to say it.

....The whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.... "I tell you," [Jesus] replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." - Luke 19:37, 40

Moral of the story: don't be afraid to praise God in any situation. That chat continues....

ChipSmugler: you know I met his last summer hes a real nice guy
Me: Maybe so - but I can't agree with what he does....
ChipSmugler: Hes very smart and made a Casino more for fun and now it makes him over 20 mill a year
Me: he might need the $$ with online p*rn eclipsing magazines.
ChipSmugler: Doesnt mean I agree with his m***s but he is what he is He wasnt what I thought he would bevery much a gentleman paralyzed and keeps a great attitude....

Being nice and having a good attitude amid adversity are worthy virtues. In fact, in the right context they're Christian virtues. But we should watch people (including ourselves) carefully....

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. - Matthew 7:18-20

We can all be a "fruit cocktail" at times, if we're not staying close to the "fruit tree." A relationship with God through the Holy Spirit should produce consistently good fruit. Check Galatians 5:22-23 for a list of ingredients.

More on this topic in a future post....