We have a stock answer for that, when we're playing poker. "I'm trying to do good." After all, isn't that what a poker ministry should be about? As Jesus put it....
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.... - Luke 6:27
Then we did something we don't recall ever doing before. We pulled out our card protector of the day and showed it to a cashier. In this case, it was "Lord's Supper" protector from our recent church convention. But his response to that was an amazing surprise:
G>^V
That's the best way we can recreate with a keyboard what the young man had on one of his wrists - symbols that looked like a tattoo.
"God is greater than my ups and downs," he explained.
Aha! Such clever symbolism - since math buffs know ">" is the "greater than" symbol.
Does that short formula sum up your view of God? Anyone who plays poker regularly will learn there are times of success and times of setbacks. But a Biblical apostle realized something....
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.... - Philippians 3:8
Knowing Jesus is greater than any poker win, since we'll all eventually have to make a final trip to the "cashier's window" of life. We can't take our chip stacks beyond the grave. But a relationship with Jesus can last for eternity, since God can resurrect you to eternal life.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. - I John 4:4
That one "in you" can be Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit.
If your life seems to lack purpose beyond regular routine trips to poker rooms, maybe it's time to borrow from modern politics. It's time to "Alt-Right" - alter your course, and get right with God. The winning formula of that cashier can work for you.
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