Steven Breaks Even

When we left Kansas last year, an FBI investigation was underway into possibly illegal action involving house poker games. The biggest name in that case was thought to be a Wichita business owner who's won money in serious tournaments such as the World Series.

The long investigation apparently ended this week, with Brandon Steven making a deal with federal prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to hiding records of illegal poker games, and could have gone to prison for it. Instead, Steven received three years of probation, a lot of community service time - and he must give more than a million dollars, either in poker winnings or hush money.

The four-year FBI investigation may have led to police shutting down open poker rooms across Wichita. We played at several of them during this decade. These days, we only play in legal tournaments at casinos or charities. We try to live by a simple Bible verse:

Avoid every kind of evil. - I Thessalonians 5:22

Sounds simple, doesn't it? Except the King James Version puts it this way: "Abstain from all appearance of evil." A lot of things may appear evil to others, but they're really above-board. The list of items fitting that description can change almost daily, based on the news cycle and social media posts. We have to be careful in all the decisions we make about what we do.

As for Steven, you'd think he would have known better. Secrets come out, sooner or later. If they're not exposed by the FBI, they will at an even higher level of justice....

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. - Psalm 90:8

The time is coming when Jesus will judge all humans, on behalf of God the Father.

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened.... The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. - Revelation 20:12

We don't see much evidence in the Bible that "plea bargains" will be allowed then....

...Those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. - John 5:29

Defense lawyers say Brandon Steven is a solid citizen, who supports youth sports among other things. But this case revealed he has a "dark side." If we're honest with ourselves, we all do. Will you learn from Steven's example, and come "out of darkness" into God's "wonderful light" (I Peter 2:9)?

Across the Lines

We made another discovery while working on our taxes this past week. It relates to poker directly - and it comes with a confessional.

We live in Kentucky - a state with no poker rooms, as far as we know. It's famous for "the sport of kings" (horse racing), but not pocket Kings. We cross rivers into Ohio and Indiana to play poker. And while filling out an Ohio state income tax form for another reason, we found out we must pay income tax on our Cincinnati casino winnings.

That led to a guilt cloud, then a check of Indiana's income tax rules. Sure enough - we have to pay that state as well on our casino winnings in Lawrenceburg, even though we've never lived there.

To be honest, we should have thought of this before. We'd heard stories of professional athletes being ordered to pay such out-of-state taxes, when their team goes on road trips. After all, they're working in the state of the team they're trying to beat.

But we never thought of applying this to us. And we crossed state lines to win at poker, well before moving to our current area. We're not sure if the statute of limitations has run out for those states - but we apologize to the states we may have stiffed. (Don't expect casinos to tell you about this; they never have with us.)

Why are we so concerned about this? In part, because of these words...

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.... "Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" - Matthew 22:15, 17

This was a question to Jesus, whom some people thought had come to start a rebellion against the Roman leadership. What better way to do it than with a tax protest - right? Well, keep reading....

But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Some me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" - Matthew 22:18-20

We don't think the words "In God we trust" was on that coin. But we've heard people try to argue against paying taxes, based on the government being "un-Christian" or other such things. Yet what did Jesus say to the crowd?

"Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." When they heard him, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. - Mathew 22:21-22

Jesus never told anyone not to pay their taxes. For one thing, you'd be breaking the law in the U.S. if you did that. For another thing, Jesus had a disciple pay a "temple tax" earlier in His ministry (17:24-28). To us, it's about obedience....

Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. - I Peter 2:17

That "king" has a small king, indicating a human leader. God puts those leaders in charge (Romans 13:1, KJV) - so if you say you fear God and not them, what does that say about you?

Remember As You Play....

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. - I Peter 2:1 (NLT)

We heard a preacher read this verse on radio the other day, and immediately thought it had "poker night" all over it.

Can you understand why? Those traits can come up easily at a cash game or a tournament.

The first one is a big one: deceit. Many would say that's a key part of the game. You deceive your opponent into thinking you have a big hand, when you're bluffing with little - and vice versa.

The Contemporary English Version translates it this way: "Quit trying to fool people." And the Bible says that's something Jesus never did:

He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. - I Peter 2:22 (NLT)

So how did a New Testament apostle get away with it? The same Greek root word appears here....

But be it so, I did not burden you; nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. - II Corinthians 12:16 (KJV, emphasis added)

Is the apostle Paul admitting a sin here? A few Bible translations indicate he didn't - that he was presenting contentions other people made about his ministry. One Bible commentary says there's actually a sarcastic tone to this verse, in a comparison to other ministers:

But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. - II Corinthians 11:14-15 (NLT)

Those "servants" are called "false apostles" in verse 13.

Our words can deceive. Even a big bet at a key moment can do it. Can you keep that deceitful approach to the poker table? And can you find a way to strain it out of how you play - even if others around you do it?

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be you therefore wise as servants, and harmless as doves. - Matthew 10:16 (KJV)

We'll be honest: that warning about deceit in I Peter is a challenge to us as well. Have you found a way to avoid that while playing poker? Your comments are welcome - because we could use some help, too.

Poker Night 562: Better by the Dozen?

"We're at table 12 on 12/12," our dealer properly observed at Hollywood Casino Indiana Wednesday night. "And we start with 12-K" - as in 12,000 chips.

In fact, one donut chain called it the "Day of the Dozens" and offered a special discount. But instead of driving there after work, we drove to Indiana. The five-dollar buffet special was (pun intended) a more well-rounded meal. But would the number of Jesus's original disciples (Matthew 10:1) and the tribes of ancient Israel (Revelation 21:12) have deep meaning for us? A test of that came early....

BLINDS: 25/50

IN THE POCKET: 6-6

We joked with the dealer before the tournament started about playing A-2 (sort of like 1-2). But 6 + 6 = 12, right? So in the first few minutes, this pocket pair is a must-play! With no one raising, it's even better. As we remember, three players at a slowly-growing table of eight are in.

ON THE FLOP: 10-8-2

Not much to brag about there - and no one is betting. So we toss out 125, hoping for a quick win. Except one player calls; the others fold.

ON THE TURN: 8

The board pairs. We have two pair. Our opponent now checks. But what if he has a third 8? We decide to be cautious, and check as well.

ON THE RIVER: Q

Finally a face card - and our opponent acts on it. He bets 300. We suppose he could have been waiting for that. But we conclude this is a "test your mettle" bluff, maybe with Ace high. We call. Are we right?

The other man shows.... 10-5! There was no bluff. He hit top pair, and simply waited us out to win the pot.

But on this night, more good cards came. Our stack went up and down, but was a healthy 17,575 at the first break. Hour Two was worse, with bad decisions leaving us at the edge of the cliff with 6,700. But then came Hour Three - and back-to-back pushes with A-Q and A-J led to double-ups, and a total of 24,800!

After we lost to A-K to a man's pocket Aces, we reached the final table with 17,400. But setbacks struck as blinds went up, and finally we pushed again with King-Queen of spades. A man with A-J pushed first and won the race. On a night with 21 players (come to think of it, that's the reverse of 21), we finished a respectable seventh. (Only the top three earned money.)

MINISTRY MOMENT: "Is that a pager or a pencil sharpener?" a dealer asked at one point about our card protector.

"It's a reflector," we explained to our table, holding up the small red item we'd taken before. "It's a reminder to me that I should reflect the light of Jesus Christ."

Perhaps you've been a bit confused about that light. Two Bible verses can seem contradictory at first reading....

But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world. - John 9:5 (NLT)

Jesus called Himself "the light." Yet He also declared....

You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. - Matthew 5:14 (NLT)

So which is it?

Actually, it can be both. And that's where our reflector comes in. We can reflect the perfect light of Jesus to other people. As one great song puts it, believers can "shine like the moon" which reflects the sun shining on it. Jesus seemed to understand that:

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." - John 8:12 (NLT)

If you hold a flashlight close to a mirror, the intensity of the light should be stronger. So how closely do you follow Jesus's life and example?

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. - I Peter 2:21 (NLT)

That's the part of "following" which might scare some people. Not everyone appreciates God and Jesus Christ. They might put you down, and occasionally even beat you up. But reflecting God's goodness now will be rewarded someday with eternal life. Upon reflection, isn't that worth it?

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 211 final tables in 562 games (37.5%) - 44 cashes.

Is This Crazy or What?

The public address announcer in the poker room announced someone had a seat waiting for "pineapple." At our tournament table, that led to a question.

"What's the difference between 'pineapple' and 'crazy pineapple'?"

Our table decided there was none - that it was P.A. shorthand. But a check online reveals they're actually two different games. Both involve being dealt three cards. "Pineapple poker" requires you to dump one card before the flop; "crazy pineapple" lets you wait until after the flop.

So in poker slang, something becomes "crazy" if you have time to wait before making a decision. Of course, some people think it's downright crazy to play poker at all - especially people like us, who claim faith in God.

But some people said the same sort of thing about Jesus Christ long ago. In fact....

Then said the Jews to him, "Now we know that you have a devil...." - John 8:52 (KJV)

How could Jesus, the Son of God, possibly be demon-possessed? The skeptics didn't think He was the Son of God - and they certainly didn't understand some of the things He said. Such as....

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am now here. I have not come on my own, but he sent me." - John 8:42

Jesus the Son came from the Father's throne in heaven. This was a first - one the critics simply could not grasp. And that appearance had a great purpose:

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. - I Peter 1:18-20

Jesus was designated to redeem us from our sins, that we might have hope of eternal life. And God the Father planned it all out before our Earth came into being! That may sound "crazy" - but a supernatural God made it happen.

Believing that requires faith - a crazy kind of faith to some. But let's be honest: what other hope do you have of living beyond this life? Isn't the promise of living forever with Jesus worth taking a "chance" on Him?

Eyes Upon You

Want to be a TV star? All you have to do is sit down in some casino poker rooms. Security cameras are placed above tables, to record every hand and ensure every player and dealer is ethical.

But in a recent post, we mentioned a watch that's even higher in the sky than that. The Biblical book of Ezekiel includes a vision indicating "living creatures" have wheels "full of eyes all around" (Ezekiel 1:16-18).

This admittedly sounds weird - like something from a horror movie. What could those eyes be looking for? Another Old Testament book hints at the answer:

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.... - II Chronicles 16:9

In the classic words of Bugs Bunny: Did you ever get the funny feeling you're being watched? Well, the Bible indicates you are. God is watching - and living cherubim are helping Him do it.

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. - Proverbs 15:3

God is doing this to build a case for a day of judgment, which will come after we die. It could be a case for you.... or against you.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it....And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne.... each person was judged according to what he had done. - Revelation 20:11-13

What can you do to prepare for this judgment? The answer is back in that verse from II Chronicles. Be "fully committed" to God the Father and Jesus Christ.

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. - I Peter 4:19

You might get mocked at a poker table for trying to do God's will. We faced that this past week, at a final table. But commit to doing good deeds for God, and He promises to notice. He's watching, keeping score - and if you last to the end, a nice reward is coming.

Avoiding Pride Parkway

Come to think of it, maybe there was  a Ministry Moment from our first poker tournament in Indiana. It came when we mentioned we were heading to a final table, without winning a single hand.

"That's something to be proud about," a dealer told us twice.

We really didn't think so, and quietly said so. But many players might have made it a "pride point." In fact, our new home is not far from "Pride Parkway" - a section of Kentucky State Highway 16 that leads to a Pride Park. We're not sure how those places received their names. But they're places we'd rather avoid - at least spiritually. Why?

When pride comes, then comes disgrace.... - Proverbs 11:2

Pride only breeds quarrels.... - Proverbs 13:10

A man's pride brings him low.... - Proverbs 29:23

When the Bible talks about pride, it's usually not a good thing. We heard a Christian radio preacher note the other night that Luke 14 is a chapter completely about the perils of pride. We'll let you read it, and see if you can find the reasons why he said that.

Back at the poker room, we added a few words for the dealer about the alternative to pride. The Bible speaks of that, too:

...But with humility comes wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2b

...But a man of lowly spirit gains honor. - Proverbs 29:23b

We've written here before that poker is a game that keeps you humble - or, at least, it should. How many players have bet the farm on pocket Aces, only to see an opponent with pocket 4's or worse crack them with three of a kind?

One of Jesus's apostles put it this way....

...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. - I Peter 5:5-6

We think that means you shouldn't sit down in a poker room with a head bigger than the table. Or to put it another way, don't get stuck in Pride Park!

If we're blessed by God to have any tournament success at all, we give the praise to Him - maybe not always at the table, but certainly here.

Solving the Puzzle

If you're a newcomer to poker, the rules can seem puzzling. No, you don't have to bet every time a card comes out. Yes, ugly cards can win pots in "Omaha Hi-Lo."

Even if you're a poker pro, certain hands can be puzzling. Why would your opponent raise pre-flop, then check the flop and turn?

We sometimes wonder if this blog is also puzzling to people who discover it. In fact, as we mentioned in a recent post, you may be confused by some things we write. We start with poker, then turn to a book which many consider diametrically opposite to it?!?

To be honest, the Bible baffles a lot of readers. It has so many books and chapters about seemingly long-lost people and people groups. One promotion has declared it "the world's best-selling mystery book." And believe it or not, that was the original intent:

He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn - and I would heal them. - John 12:40

Jesus came to fulfill these words of the Old Testament Isaiah - and some of those who heard Him "could not believe" (verses 38-39). They were under the biggest of "big blinds," as they've been blinded from grasping the Word of God. Why?

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved....  - Romans 11:25-26

God hardened the heart of an Egyptian Pharaoh long ago, to do miracles leading to the removal of Israel (Exodus 4:21). He still can do that now. To borrow from a speaker we heard recently, God does this to produce the maximum possible yield - in terms of people ultimately being saved.

So if our posts don't make sense to some of you - that's OK. Really. We understand, and we leave that in God's hands. But if some of this seems to make sense, that's even better. We encourage you to act on the parts that do.

He [Jesus] replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." - Luke 11:28

Obey what you know to do, and you'll grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18). You may find the puzzles of life make sense more than you ever realized.

Poker Night 507: The Price of Courage

At the church convention we're attending, the most personal impact has come from men's morning meetings. One of the topics Monday was "courageous leadership." We reviewed the story of David slaying Goliath (I Samuel 17) - then went to a casino Monday night and tried to apply the lesson.

Choctaw Casino-Durant in southeast Oklahoma has become a place with an international poker reputation. Its nice enclosed upstairs room has been used for WPT events, and the WSOP circuit arrives there in late October. But on a federal holiday, our $70 total buy-in gave us only about 16 opponents plus a couple who did a re-buy. Would we have enough courage (and wisdom) to get a big finish?

BLINDS: 50/100

IN THE POCKET: A-A

Small early efforts have missed flops. An aggressive player at the opposite end of the table has chased us off a couple of pots. But now we've hit a big moment: the best possible pre-flop hand and lead position at a table of seven. With about 5,600 chips, we limp in and hope for raisers - but there are none. About five players are in.

ON THE FLOP: Jc-9h-7c (second suit may not be precise)

So far, so good - except two of these cards are clubs. We want to stop potential flush-chasing. So when the blinds check, we try to show we mean business by betting 250. Two men call; the two blinds fold.

ON THE TURN: J

Uh-oh.... potential trouble. The board pairs. Is someone sitting on a Jack, for three of a kind? Since we're back in the leadoff seat, this is a perplexing moment.

To look courageous and test the mettle of the opponents, we raise the bet to 500. A man to our left calls. But the other man raises to 1,200. Deep inside, we sense big trouble - but there's been a little bluffing at the table, so we dare to call. But now, the man to our left re-raises to 2,500! And he gets called!

We conclude both men are serious. "I don't think so," we say as we fold. Are we right?

ON THE RIVER: 4

This card doesn't seem to matter. The man to our left goes all-in - and gets called again!

So what do they have? The man to our left shows J-9! The man to our right has J-7! It's "boat over boat," and the J-9 wins a huge pot.

"I'm glad I got out of that," we say.

"What did you have?" a man to our right asks.

"I had them topped before the flop," is all we reveal. We'll save the deeper lesson in courage for another day - but we fell behind on the flop, and an attempt at an even larger "go-away" bet would have only hurt our cause.

That was the sort of night we had. We split one pot with K-10, then won an all-in Big Blind bet right before the one-hour break. But we only had 2,325 chips from a starting 7,000 at that break. And when we pushed with A-Q early in Hour 2 and were called by A-J, an Ace on the flop was followed by a Jack on the river. We missed the final table by finishing in 13th place.

MINISTRY MOMENT: We showed our "Lord's Supper" card protector to an older man seated to our right. He recognized the image on it, then asked, "Is that a precious metal?"

We tried to steer things in a more godly direction. "Jesus's blood was precious, wasn't it?"

At that point, a new hand started. We're not sure if he grasped what we said. But perhaps you've wondered about that. Why do people consider the blood of Jesus "precious"? It comes from this verse:

It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless lamb of God. - I Peter 1:19 (NLT)

An online dictionary defines "precious" as "of high price or great value.... highly esteemed for some spiritual, nonmaterial or moral quality...." Here's why the blood of Jesus fits that description....

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver.... - I Peter 1:18  (NLT)

No, the ransom paid to save us was Christ's blood. While we are all sinners, Jesus was not (I John 3:5). He was a perfect sacrificial lamb (John 1:29), whose blood can remove your sins in God's eyes (I John 1:7). Have you turned your sins to God, to have Jesus remove them from your record?.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 184 final tables in 507 games (36.3%) - 37 cashes. We're now two-for-three in making final tables and the money, in games during church conventions.

Luck or Something Like It III

We've been going over an article our church pastor wrote several years ago about whether you should really give "luck" any credit for things going well or badly - in poker or anywhere else.

In our first post on this topic, we noted God provides "blessings" as opposed to luck. Now for a third time, we point to this part of the pastor's article:

When blessings come upon an individual, they typically are linked to physical and/or spiritual obedience and good works. God plainly tells us that blessings are a result of our actions.

But here's a problem with that statement. God not only provides blessings to whomever He pleases - He expects you to provide blessings, too. Here's proof:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. - Romans 12:14

How often do you see that in a poker room? Especially in some tense cash game?

It's easy to trash-talk your opponent when he hits a two-out river card to win a big pot or stay alive in a tournament. Yet the proper approach in God's sight is the approach that isn't natural. It means biting your tongue, if that's what it takes.

But I tell you, Do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool.... - Matthew 5:34-35

Swearing and foul language can happen often at a poker table. God wants your response to borrow from a recent hit country song - be "humble and kind." (Which strangely comes from an album with an old-school "four-letter word" in its title.)

You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.... - Matthew 5:43-44

Jesus Christ offered this advice. Then He lived it....

When they hurled their threats at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. - I Peter 2:23

Can you do that - not only keeping quiet and calm during a poker tournament, but even offering blessings to opponents along the way? It might not be easy. But with the help of God's Holy Spirit, it can be done.

So we close by borrowing from a late preacher whose voice is still heard on radio. Instead of counting on something lucky to happen, "walk with the King today.... and be a blessing."

A Read You Can Trust

"I grew up in a super-religious family," the man sitting to our left at a poker tournament said. "But I've always wondered how you can tell a story over thousands of years, and not have some changes in it."

This man was expressing skepticism about the Bible. How could today's translations be anywhere near the same as what was originally written in the years "B.C.", or before Christ? After all, poker players often stretch the truth or forget key details of their greatest victories or bad beats.

We could try answering that skepticism with the Bible's own words....

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.... - II Timothy 3:16

For the believer in God, this is accepted as truth. But for the skeptic, it can seem like a boast any delusional street-corner preacher might make about himself.

We could try pointing to fulfilled prophecies....

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in the was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. - I Peter 1:10-11

Believers can list many Old Testament prophecies which were lived out by Jesus Christ. But skeptics can point to prophecies still not fulfilled....

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." - II Peter 3:3-4

We tried to point the poker player next to us toward the Dead Sea Scrolls. They were discovered in the mid-20th century, and include more than 200 "Biblical texts" which show little change over a 1,000-year period compared with other Biblical scrolls.

Other ancient writings, such as those of Aristotle and Confucius, don't face the same doubts and skepticism that Biblical writings do. Perhaps that's because not as much rides on those writings - while the Bible challenges readers to accept that there is a God, and we should obey Him.

He [Jesus] replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." - Luke 11:28

Are you a Biblical skeptic? Or are you concerned about what you might have to do, should you find the Bible really is accurate?

Poker Day 492: Worth the Wait?

"Did you take it all?" a complete stranger asked as he passed us in the parking lot this afternoon. We were leaving Kansas Star Casino, heading for our car. We'll reveal our response in a moment, but first let's see how things went today in our first poker tournament there in six weeks:

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: J-J

We arrived at the casino 20 minutes early, but almost didn't play at all. We were 14th on the tournament waiting list, and entered 75 minutes into the event. After folding in the blinds, we start this hand with 3,200 chips late in the order. When other players merely call, we go for it with our high pocket pair.

"Raise - 500," we say. We get three takers.

ON THE FLOP: 7-3-K

Uh-oh. A bigger face card is not what we wanted to see. And if that's not enough, a player ahead of us bets 500. We're not sure what he has, but we fear what it might be. Still, we call in hopes of improvement. So does a third player.

ON THE TURN: 9

There's no flush threat. But the players in front of us check. We're rather happy to check as well.

ON THE RIVER: 3

Now we have two pair - but one of our opponents might have the same thing, only better. He bets 1,500. That's more than half our stack. And with that King looking fierce, we decide not to risk it. We fold, and the bettor takes the pot without showing what he has.

Looking back, we wonder if we should have bet more pre-flop. We've seen other players push with pocket Jacks, to scare everyone away. But we tried to maximize our profits, and wound up losing 1,000 chips.

With 1,700 chips left, we tried again with A-K of spades. This time we raised to 700, and a player to our right called. The flop was something like 8-2-9, and his bet of 200 was answered by our going all-in for the last 1,000. The man called, and showed 8-6. "Big Slick" was dominated by a relatively junk hand. And when the board didn't pair for it, we were knocked out in 44th place out of 64 players. Late in, early out.

Oh yes - about the man in the parking lot. We showed him a brownie we bought from the casino deli. "This is my consolation prize," we said, "and at two dollars, it's a pretty good deal." We both laughed at that. It beats crying about our losses.

MINISTRY MOMENT: Our second dealer has come to "know our works," to borrow from a Bible verse (Revelation 3:8). So when he saw our small bottle on the table, he asked.

"What does the bottle of hand sanitizer signify?"

"It's to remind me," we answered, "that I need Jesus to clean me up. Clean up all my sins. That's why He came."

We personally don't keep Christmas, as we've discussed in other posts. But we do believe Jesus was born - and born with a purpose:

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Sovereign Lord.... my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people...." - Luke 2:28-31

We can't recall a December where we've heard more messages on radio about Simeon. This "righteous and devout" man (verse 25) somehow was given a special promise:

It had been revealed to Him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. - Luke 2:26

"Christ" is not really Jesus's last name. It's the Greek word for "anointed" or "Messiah." The baby Simeon held about a week after Jesus was born was (and is) the Messiah, who came to bring salvation.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. - Matthew 1:21

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's Power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. - I Peter 1:3-5

The "coming salvation" ultimately will occur when Jesus comes back to Earth. Believers will have now "spirit bodies," and not need to be cleansed of sin any more. That's good news at any time of year. But are you asking God to clean up your life now, to get the process started?

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 181 final tables in 492 games (36.8%) - 36 cashes.

Checking in the Dark

In our last poker tournament, we had 300 chips left when the Big Blind came around to us. But the blinds were 200/400 - so we were all-in from the "get-go."

"I'll check in the dark," we announced jokingly when the play came to us. Not only because no one raised, but because there was nothing else we could do. It didn't matter if we looked at them or not, so we didn't - only turning them over when we were down to a make-or-break showdown.

But remember the candle we took for a card protector, mentioned in our last post? Earlier in the tournament, we mentioned we were trying to be a light for Jesus Christ "in a dark world." That prompted some, well, enlightening thoughts from our dealer.

"A casino can be a dark place," he noted. "No windows. No clocks on the wall."

We understand that's by design. The casino managers would like you to stay all day and all night, so "distractions" like those are left out. The inside of the building may be well-lit. But except for sports events on big screens, you're "in the dark" when it comes to the world outside.

If we come out of that darkness on a sunny day, the light may be blinding. And there's a spiritual lesson there:

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. - I Peter 2:9

God wants us to walk in light - the light of Jesus Christ, as we mentioned. But our last post also noted this stunning statement:

For you were once darkness.... - Ephesians 5:8

Not "you were in darkness." You were darkness - as dark as a chocolate Dove bar. How do we get out of that?

...Find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. - Ephesians 5:10-11

Walking in God's way can require you to walk away from darkness - whether it be sinful actions or harmful people. There's this warning about people who don't walk away:

These men are blemishes at your love feasts.... for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. - Jude 12-13

Satan the devil wants people to stay in darkness. But thankfully, God plans to send Satan eventually "to the rail." A Biblical festival beginning tonight pictures that - the Day of Atonement, known to Jews as Yom Kippur. We invite you to read more about it, and even start practicing it. Then head for the light that's much better for you.


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Poker Night 462: Nilla Folders

"So what's the difference between this game and 'Cards for the Cure'?" we asked at one point during Saturday night's poker tournament.

"They haven't shut this one down yet," a woman down the table answered. Perhaps sarcastically - but perhaps with a grain of truth.

"You'd better show us your ID," another woman said jokingly.

But then she gave us a break, as we had admitted it was our first time at Nilla's Poker Room. It's close to a main highway in our city, but a bit hard to find - hidden behind a rather notorious nightclub.  We found a nicely set-up place, with a full bar and a few food items.  Room for cash games were secluded behind walls in corners, while the main tournament was out in the open.

We went to Nilla's this weekend, even though Nikki's Poker Room is open again.  Nilla's cost $30 to play, so we theorized the prize pool would be better than the Nikki's "totally free" approach. And as a side issue, we might learn more about the current poker crackdown by Wichita police.

One woman at our table put the two recent shutdowns together, declaring Nikki's led to the end of Cards for the Cure. "They applied to renew their liquor license, and said up-front: We are a poker room."

"They didn't have to be so honest," another woman said - and that's a topic for another day. Now let's get to the action....

BLINDS: 25/50

IN THE POCKET: King of hearts-King of diamonds

Nilla's is easily the busiest poker room we've visited in Wichita - with four full tables playing in the tournament on a regular Saturday night. We haven't won a pot yet, despite a couple of feelers.

Now we have "the donuts" (K-K) in lead position, holding about 9,900 chips (starting with 10,500, including a newcomer's bonus) - so we limp in. A man across from us raises to 500, and we call. As best we recall, about four players are in.

ON THE FLOP: 10d-7d-6d

The jewelry store is open, but we're thinking more about our overpair. We bet 700 on it. That chases a couple of people away, but not the man who raised pre-flop. He calls.

ON THE TURN: Qc (may not be precise)

Not a diamond - but not a rib-sticking Ace, either. We increase the bet to 1,000, and get called again.

ON THE RIVER: Jd

We hit the diamond flush - but one card beats us. Does our opponent have it? We bet 1,000 again to find out. We're not really sure if he calls or not - but he flips over pocket Aces! Thankfully, they're both black Aces! The flush is a winner, and we gain more than 3,000 chips.

Another pot win brought us close to 14,000.  But then the third period of blinds brought disaster - as our A-K brought an Ace on the flop.  But 2-3 showed up, and a man with 4-5 hit a straight which severely hurt our stack.

We staggered to the one-hour break at 5,500 chips, and couldn't recover from there. We went all-in with A-Q of spades (as best we remember) - but the board brought only two spades. It also brought three clubs, which a woman used to make a winning flush.

While two players were "eliminated" at the table ahead of us, they took a re-buy option. We did not, walking to the bar to finish our soda in roughly 30th place - and wondering if we should keep going to a place which seems on the edge of breaking city law.

MINISTRY MOMENT: A couple of women at our table were quite talkative. One of them mentioned how "God gave me such good looks...."  We think she was making fun of herself, but we responded to it.

"You should be thankful to God for your good looks," we said. "We should be thankful to God for every blessing."

The woman didn't respond to that. But perhaps we made her stop and think for a moment.  The Bible describes several beautiful women, even in ancient history....

..The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. - Genesis 6:2

But there's a different kind of beauty that God ultimately is seeking:

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. - I Peter 3:3-4

Outward beauty is "fleeting" (Proverbs 31:30) - but godly character from a proper spirit never goes out of style. If you're a woman who plays poker, what sort of beauty are you trying to develop?

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 174 final tables in 462 games (37.7%) - 32 cashes.

Getting on the Winning Side

You never know who you'll meet playing online poker.  Awhile back "flopblogger" (our web handle) had this chat with a player named "silkNsatan":

Me:　I hope you're more silk than Satan. :-)
silkNsatan:　hope u more flop than blog [...]
Me:　But I'm admittedly more into the things of God than Satan.
icandothis:　glad to hear it
silkNsatan:　same thing probleyjus differnt name
silkNsatan:　buddhist here
silkNsatan:　buddhist here
silkNsatan:　try anyways
Dealer:　LTDUSARET wins Main Pot ($2320)
Me:　Aha
Me:　I believe many people worship Satan, without realizing it.

It had been a long time since we reviewed exactly what Buddhists believe, especially when it comes to Satan.

One website we consulted says Buddhism has a devil character named "Mara" - one considered wicked, evil, "the Murderer, the Tempter." That's not far away from what Christians think about Satan.

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. - John 8:44

In fact, Satan sometimes can appear "silky smooth" to people:

And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. - II Corinthians  11:14

And that's why we think "people worship Satan, without realizing it." They accept lies and deception that they think is a reflection of God, but really is not.  That's why the Bible warns:

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm n the faith.... - I Peter 5:8-9

But how can you tell whether you're following God and Jesus, as opposed to Satan and demonism? We recommend taking time each day reading carefully through the book of truth (John 17:17), the Bible.

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. - Acts 17:11

Just as some poker players stage big bluffs to get you away from winning pots, Satan can come up with ideas and reasoning to steer you away from God and Jesus Christ. Check people's thinking against what the Bible says - and let the Bible be your guide, no matter how others might "spin" it.

Jesus with the Crosses

This weekend's Heartland Poker Tour telecast has a final table from a tournament in Mississippi -- and a player which brought an obvious, yet ridiculous punch line from an announcer.

Jesus Cabrera of Atlanta made a deep run (click on our link only if you want to know the outcome), which prompted Jaymz Larson to say at one point the question for other players had become: "What Would Jesus Do?" (Thankfully, Maria Ho had enough class to avoid commenting.)

We've worn WWJD bracelets in poker rooms for years -- but NOT because of Mr. Cabrera. To be honest, we never heard of him before the HPT telecast.  For us, there's only one "Jesus" whose actions ultimately matter.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. - I Peter 2:21

We're not sure if it's by design or not, but Cabrera wore a shirt to the final table with crosses on it. The Biblical Jesus had His own cross - and that's where the suffering took place.

And being made in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:8

Did you notice how the apostle Peter put it? Jesus left an example for us through suffering.  That's probably not the example that even most believing Christians want to follow.  Hardly anyone wants to suffer -- whether it's a long poker losing streak or a family tragedy. But that's the example the Lord set. And yet....

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2

Poker players sometimes face a long grind at outer tournament tables - but the final table often brings a cash prize. In a similar way, the Biblical Jesus saw beyond His hours of suffering to the reward beyond -- and a reward is awaiting Jesus's followers as well.

...But he who stands firm to the end shall be saved. - Matthew 24:13

You can be "saved" to share eternal life with Jesus Christ.  So with all due respect to Mr. Cabrera and respect for his final table appearance - what would that other Jesus have you do?

Poker Day 448: Anniversary Gifts

June 14 in the U.S. is Flag Day to some, and Army Day to others. For us, today was an anniversary - eight years since we played in our first live poker tournament. So of course, we marked the occasion by going to a poker room.  But we found Sunday attendance at rooms in our city is in a slump right now.

Barely enough players showed up to start a tournament, and they couldn't agree for awhile on what game to play. Some expected the Sunday freeroll of recent weeks; we had checked the website in advance, and prepared for a $30 "crazy pineapple" tournament.  Eventually everyone settled on a $30 Texas Hold 'em game -- and for us, it was a challenge:

BLINDS: 1,000/2,000

IN THE POCKET: K-J offsuit

Very few cards have thrilled us today.  One hand offered hope for a flush, but we missed.  Now we're in the Big Blind, with about 27,000 chips left from a starting 47,000.  About eight players are left from what wound up being a field of 11.  But no one raises in front of us, so we check hoping this is the time.

ON THE FLOP: Q-10-6

This gives us a very attractive open-ended straight draw.  We check, and a man across from us bets 5,000.  We dare to call; if other players were still in the hand (maybe one or two), they get out.  We're heads-up.

ON THE TURN: Q

That's a miss.  So we check again - and our opponent bets 5,000 again.  We gulp a little, and call.

ON THE RIVER: 10

We miss again, as now two pair are on the board.  We check again -- and are a bit relieved when our opponent does as well.

"I missed the straight," we admit, "but I have a King."

The opponent looks for a moment.... in frustration! Then he shows 9-7. He also was on a straight draw, a much tougher one (needing an 8), but he also missed.  The King is big enough to give us a well-needed boost to 48,000.

"If I had gone all-in, would you have folded?" he asks minutes later.

"I don't know," we admit. At that point in the game, we might have simply called in resignation.

We escaped with another all-in bet minutes later, and survived to the last five players.  But a blind battle where we had (as best we recall) King high turned out to be our undoing, as the Small Blind made a straight on the river.

We recalled our modest goal for our first poker tournament in June 2007: avoid being the first person eliminated at our table.  That was somewhat our goal again today, and we succeeded - staying a long time, finishing fifth out of 11, but missing the money for the top three players.

MINISTRY MOMENT: Someone noticed our "Lord's Supper" card protector during a break, and that led to one of the best Bible discussions we've had in a poker room in a long time.  We won't get into all of it here, but one man commented about how God is sure to judge the U.S. "We've wandered a long way from God," he said.

We can't help but agree.  Eight years ago, same-sex marriages and transgender mainstream magazine covers seemed as unlikely as royal flushes.  We hear much more about them now, of course -- yet the Bible warns:

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. - Ecclesiastes 12:14

But before we point fingers at "those sinners" outside our group, we need to be careful.  This verse means God also will judge the "hidden things" of seemingly righteous people.  In fact, it means God will judge our every deed -- and the believers actually are first in line:

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? - I Peter 4:17

God's "family" refers to His children, who have accepted Jesus as their Savior.  They're being judged right now....

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.... - Hebrews 9:27

Whether you consider yourself one of God's children or not, ask yourself: am I living in a way that will pass God's judgment?  The Bible indicates we all will face it, so it's good to prepare for it now.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 163 final tables in 448 games (36.4%) - 26 cashes.

Poker Day 443: Just Hanging Around

The schedule has been so busy for us in recent weeks that today marked our first trip to a poker tournament in almost two months.  The format at Arrowhead Poker hasn't changed, which for our city is a bit surprising.  But would the success rate change?

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: King of clubs-King of diamonds

A full table of ten players has shown up today.  Some early feelers have fallen short for us, so we have about 58,000 of a generous 60,000 starting chips.  When we see this high pocket pair late in the betting order and no one has raised, we obviously should.  We go up to 1,000; about half the table is in.

ON THE FLOP: 3h-5d-7h

Unless someone jumped in with a small pocket pair, this flop seems harmless.  So when the table checks, we put out 1,200.  Most players get the message and surrender, but one man at the opposite corner from us calls.

ON THE TURN: 10h

Hmmm - now three hearts are showing, and we don't have one.  But we don't want to back off with an "overpair," so the bet goes up only a little.  Our opponent checks, we offer 1,500 and he calls.

ON THE RIVER: As

It's not a heart, but it's practically the last card we want to see.  Yet our opponent seems delighted, because he now bets 6,500 instead of checking.  Even if he was laying low with a flush, any Ace has us beaten.  We mumble a little and fold.  Then he turns over.... sure enough, an Ace.

"He let you hang around," another player tells our opponent.  Indeed.  But a big bet on the turn with three hearts showing could have been risky.

We rallied after several losses to win a big pot with Q-Q, to get above 63,000 chips.  But we never won another pot after that.  A pre-flop push for 31,000 with A-K found us heads-up against K-Q, but a Queen on the flop doomed us.  Not even a King later allowed us to beat his two pair.  Out of 11 total players, we finished middle-of-the-pack in sixth.

MINISTRY MOMENT: Our handling of pocket Queens with big bets frustrated a man sitting next to us at the table.  "Jesus Christ," he said on the turn.

"He's my redeemer," we said confidently.

Our opponent didn't react to that statement - but you may be asking what we mean by that.  The idea of being redeemed goes back to long before Jesus was born:

Therefore, say to the Israelites: "I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment." - Exodus 6:6

The Lord "redeemed" Israel from slavery -- as in buying their freedom.  In fact, Israel didn't have to pay much for that freedom besides sacrificing lambs at the Passover and putting their blood on doorposts (Exodus 12:1-30).  In the same way, Jesus Christ can redeem you spiritually now:

....We wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who 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. - Titus 2:13-14

The blood of Jesus redeems believers from wicked, sinful ways.  They can become "God's people," and God wants pure sinless people.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. - I Peter 2:9

The world of sin can be a very dark place.  Wouldn't it be better to have Jesus redeem you from your sins, so you can follow the One who says He is "the light of world"? (John 8:12)  We'll consider that a bit more in our next post.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 160 final tables in 443 games (36.1%) - 26 cashes.

Call or Be Called

We're still thinking about the online player who told us last weekend, "I don't do church."

In our last post, we noted churches can be groups that sit in judgment of disputes.  (Yes, we know - sometimes they also pass judgment on people and events.)  But a church can be other things....

I am writing to God's church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people.... - I Corinthians 1:2 (NLT)

Players "call" at the poker table all the time.  It's the minimum requirement for getting into a hand.  (You might get in trouble if you call someone else on the phone during a hand, but that's another topic.)

But a church is filled with "called" people.  The Greek word for church (the New Testament was primarily written in Greek) means "calling out."  Our verse shows God calls people out -- and unlike our modern slang, that's not a negative thing.

And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. - Romans 1:6 (NLT)

Belonging to Jesus might sound boring.  But if you heed it, that call results ultimately in something remarkable:

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus.... I Peter 5:10 (NLT)

You can live forever with Jesus -- and it starts with a call.  It's a call from God, to be part of what Jesus is doing.  It's a call to a church containing "his own holy people," as our first verse noted.

...Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. - I Peter 1:14-15 (NLT)

God may well be calling you to give up selfish desires for something bigger and better. If He's calling, it's your turn. How will you respond?

Free To Play

A recent post mentioned our frustration in trying to enter a "true freeroll" poker tournament.  But on this day, we're at least thankful for one thing - we're free to play any kind of poker.  Online or in person.  For fun or for potential prizes.

This is Patriot Day, marking the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.  Terror groups then (and now) wanted to put the U.S. under serious restrictions.  Not in relatively little things such as playing poker - but in big things such as freedom to speak and worship.

One online version of the Muslim Quran (which we're admittedly not sure we should trust) only includes the word "freedom" once -- and that's in terms of making deals with idol-worshipers.  In contrast, the Christian Bible mentions freedom many times....

Live as free men; but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. - I Peter 2:16

Some people use the word "freedom" to justify all kinds of bad behavior.  But living "as servants of God" means accepting God's standards for proper conduct.

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

A precept in the original Hebrew refers to a "mandate" -- in this case, something ordered by God such as a commandment.  Walking and living within the boundaries God sets can keep you out of trouble with the law (such as not stealing), and gain respect from other people (such as not lying at a poker table).

Believers in Jesus long for a different kind of freedom.  It has nothing to do with rules set down by tournament directors.  It's for freedom from "bondage" in human bodies....

...That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. - Romans 8:21

The decay of death will turn into a "godly body" that cannot die.  Read the first half of Revelation 20 to find out more about that -- and be thankful to God that you're free to even read about such things from the Bible, and openly hope for eternal life to come.