9-11 Plus 10

Today marks ten years since the Tuesday of terror now known to the world simply as 9/11. It's a time for reflection. For us, it's been a time for prayer. But we found out in the last hour for more than 740 people like ourselves, it's also a day to play poker.

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. - Psalm 119:45

Some would say there's not as much freedom in the U.S. now, compared with ten years ago. One example is as simple as a trip to the airport. U.S. poker players would say they've lost a significant amount of freedom twice, through federal crackdowns against online poker sites.

But "freedom" can be a matter of where you find it. Online poker isn't banned completely in the U.S. - only games which fit the definition of gambling. So a believer who follows the laws of God and man still can play, and even win money.

People also are still free to play poker for money in states where it is permitted by law. Did you realize that comes to 33 of the 50 states -- almost a two-thirds majority?

And in all those places, there's still plenty of freedom to speak your mind -- about everything from your opponent's "donkey" move to the things of Jesus Christ. Readers of this blog know we try to emphasize the latter.

So be thankful today for the freedoms we still enjoy -- from playing for $50 cash prizes (we fell far short - #294 out of 748) to worshiping the true King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. - II Corinthians 3:17