It's All In Your Head

The debate rages about whether poker is a game of skill, luck or a mix of both. The "skill" side would point to Phil Hellmuth -- who finished second three times in this year's World Series of Poker, playing three very different formats. How could that possibly be luck? they'd ask.

Perhaps luck is all a concoction of your brain. That's what a one-time network TV news anchor said in a recent interview. Michelle Gielan explained people can see "luck" in all sorts of everyday events -- and if you can spot a trend in lucky events, you can seize on that to your advantage.

Gielan's explanation may seem to some like a bunch of psycho-analytical mumbo-jumbo. But we see a connection to the life of a Christian believer.

Eat you not the bread of him that has an evil eye, neither desire you his dainty meats: For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.... - Proverbs 23:6-7 (KJV)

We've admittedly heard ministers lift the last part of that passage out of its context. Sinful thoughts can lead to sinful actions -- but on the other hand, positive thoughts can bring positive results.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. - Philippians 4:8

Faithful Christians can be a lot like the people who see "luck" in their day -- except they see the involvement of God in their lives, and they're thankful for His blessings.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. - James 1:17

So what's bouncing around your brain seems to matter -- whether you're approaching a poker table or a session with someone you've never met before. What's on your mind these days?