Back to the Fifties

When the World Series of Poker began in June, we noted it was the 50th such event. But we noted that some people (and perhaps even the WSOP) called it the "50th anniversary" - which isn't mathematically right, because it's 49 years since the first one.

It reminded us of how some church groups sadly fight over how to count things. Take this one, which Jesus mentioned:

For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. - Matthew 12:40

Sounds simple, doesn't it? Jesus was buried for "three days and three nights" after His crucifixion.

Trouble is, many Christian denominations say Jesus was killed on Friday and was resurrected on Sunday morning. They parse at words and hours, trying to explain how "three days and three nights" somehow fit into about 48 hours. (Here's an article on that issue, if you'd like to look into it.)

We noted earlier this year that some church groups disagree on the number 50 as well, in computing when to keep the Christian festival of Pentecost. We promised to do our own study into it. After several weeks of complicated digging, it's ready. It's quite a mix of numerology, history and linguistics. Have your thinking cap and "good books" ready as you read it.

In poker tournaments, accurate chip counts matter. Shouldn't the counting of days and years matter as well - especially when it comes to events which shape all eternity?

Ensan Asylum

The biggest names in poker usually don't make the final table at the biggest game of all. The World Series of Poker Main Event has turned unknowns into stars for many years.

Courtesy WSOP.com

In 2019, that star is Hossein Ensan. He won it all this past week in Las Vegas, in only his second major final table. Only true poker junkies might know Ensan won three major tournaments in Europe in recent years, including a WSOP "international circuit" main event in the Czech Republic.

Ensan was born in Iran, but moved to Germany in 1990. We don't know why he moved, but he says he was "a simple painter" at the time. Living in Europe certainly allowed him the freedom to take up poker in the early 2000s, and develop winning skills from there.

But Ensan told WSOP.com during the tournament that he still considers himself a poker amateur. There's a lesson in that statement for all poker players - even if you consider yourself a big-time pro:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2

The mere sight of pocket Aces might fill you with pride. Perhaps that's what did us in the other day (check our last post). But humility brings wisdom, because humble people are in more of a mood to learn. They know better than to assume they know it all.

...We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. - I Corinthians 8:1

A person once walked the Earth whom you'd think would have been the most puffed-up man ever. He came from heaven. He was the Son of God. But He didn't come to stump panels and win big awards.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.... being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross. - Philippians 2:4, 8

Why did Jesus do this? To display God's love for all of us - even for you:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

Jesus came in humility to lovingly pay the penalty for your sin. Will you humbly accept that sacrifice and make Jesus the Lord of your life? You may not develop the wisdom to win WSOP bracelets, but God will help you gain spiritual wisdom that can last for eternity.

Ryan's Hope

The final able draws near at the World Series of Poker Main Event. As we write this on Thursday evening (U.S. time), Australian champion Daniel Hachem has bowed out in 79th place. Iranian native Antonio "the Magician" Esfandiari left in 82nd.

But of course, we want to focus on the man who finished 738th. Ryan Von Bevern is married to one of our nieces, after all - and on his third try at the Main Event, he made the money. The scoreboard (which has misled us at times) shows he won a bit more than $20,200.

This is how Ryan knows where he finished. He was given a card with his ranking. The WSOP staff has to keep things organized, with so many tables going at once and the prize money increasing with every few eliminations.

ESPN even mentioned Ryan's sorta-kinda presidential campaign on its livestream of the tournament. A $20,000 payday won't buy him a big media blitz to promote his candidacy. But he achieved one thing he hoped to accomplish - and in doing that, he experienced this:

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. - Proverbs 13:12

Are you hoping for a big poker payday? Perhaps your own WSOP bracelet? It might take a lot of games and a lot of patience. It took us 13 tries before we won our first tournament at a Georgia bar. But we kept the hope going. And even better, we did this....

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. - I Timothy 6:17

We took our hope of success to God, praying for His will to be done. Success in poker has come in small ways over the years. But our main reason for entering poker rooms is to share a better hope....

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13

Galatians 5 shows joy and peace are two "fruit" of God's Holy Spirit. And beyond that....

...A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. - Titus 1:2

It's the only real hope we have beyond this life, you know. And we suspect the blessing of eternal life in the Kingdom of God will be far better than any trip to a cashier's window.

Poker Day 578: Hit and Miss

A change in our work situation allows to play in daytime poker tournaments for the time being. That led us today to Hollywood Casino Indiana, where we had a tough act to follow - since the husband of one of our nieces made the money at the World Series of Poker Main Event the night before. Could we match or top that?

BLINDS: 50/100

IN THE POCKET: 9-3 offsuit

So far today, we haven't matched anything.An aggressive play with A-Q suited lost to a man with a 10 who made a pair on the flop. We've dropped from a starting 12,000 chips to about 9,200. This normally would be folding time for us - but we're in the Small Blind and no one's raised at a full table of nine. We dare to call, since it only costs 50 more.

ON THE FLOP: 5-6-7

An interesting "island" flop for us. We can connect to a straight with a 4 or an 8. We check, and a man to our left offers 300. We call, and we recall four players still remaining.

ON THE TURN: 4

There it is - we hit the straight! We're first in order, and slow-check. But the man who bet before now throws out 800. Other players are calling, and now this becomes a cliché: Be careful what you wish for, because you might really get it.

We're pretty sure the bettor has an 8, for the better straight. Why else would be bet? Our "under-straight" now has us underwhelmed. "I'd better not," we say.... and fold.

ON THE RIVER: 8

Wow! We would have hit the straight both ways. And we could have topped the straight on the board, with our 9! No one bets now.

"I'm playing the board," the man who bet first says. No one had a 9, so we could have claimed a big pot. So the final score: two hits - but a big miss. And it all seemed so logical.

We finally won a good pot to reach the first break at 9,925. Hour Two brought a huge round in the blinds, as A-5 won with two pair and 8-J turned into a full house. We reached a high for the day of 18,100, and reached the final table at 15,400.

Our second-break total was 14,100, as we missed eliminating a man at the end thanks to a 7 on the river. Then came a couple of good hands which lost - and with blinds mounting, we finally went for it all with K-J. A man who was hitting big cards and amassing a monster stack of chips called.... with K-Q of spades. Of course, he hit a flush. That left us out in seventh place, out of 19 entries. Only the top two earned money.

MINISTRY MOMENT: A man to our right at our starter table claimed at one point that he's gained the nickname "a**hole." We told him that didn't sound very nice.

"At least he's publicity," he said. "Any publicity beats no publicity, right?"

"Satan the devil's had a lot of publicity," we answered. "And I don't think it's going to turn our well for him in the end."

That seemed to go over the heads of everyone - but do you grasp what we're saying? A lot of people talk about the devil. In fact, they may be under the devil's sway without realizing it.....

..But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short. - Revelation 12:12

Satan (which we believe is really an "it," not a male "him) has spiritual control of this world right now:

The great dragon was hurled down - that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.... - Revelation 12:9

But God sent someone to Earth to turn us away from Satan, and back to Him....

He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning . The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. - I John 3:8

Jesus came as the Son of God, and overcame the devil by living a sinless life. But the work of Satan won't truly be destroyed until Jesus comes again with His angels....

And I saw an angel coming down from heaven.... He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended.... - Revelation 20:1-3

As many preachers have said about the Bible, if you read to the back of the book, believers win. God will win. Jesus will win. The devil's P.R. machine will go bust, like our K-J did today. Is that what you're seeking - even in this life?

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 222 final tables in 578 games (38.4%) - 48 cashes.

Daring to Dream

JULY 9 UPDATE: Ryan has made the money at the Main Event! An update on that is coming soon.

UPDATE: We looked at the wrong day's chip count. Ryan is in 846th place, heading to "Day 2C." Why he wasn't shown on the "Day 2AB" scoreboard despite not playing is a mystery to us.

As we write this, about 1,070 players remain in the 2019 World Series of Poker Main Event. This year's big tournament had 8,225 entries - including one (hold on to your chair) who's a candidate for President of the United States!

No, we're not kidding. Ryan Von Bevern filed the paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for President. He has a billboard or two up in the Kansas City area. Of course, he has a campaign website. But by his own admission, he hasn't raised a lot of money - and he lost his buy-in at the Main Event, by not placing among the top 2,500 players [SEE UPDATE ABOVE]. (He won a discounted buy-in by playing in a local league.)

We've mentioned Ryan's WSOP exploits before, because he's married to one of our nieces. He obviously has big dreams - even though we think his Presidential bid is tongue-in-cheek.

Our poker dreams are a bit smaller these days. (For one thing, a $10,000 Main Event buy-in is massive.) But we have a big dream, too - and believe it or not, it ranks above being President of a country:

And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." - Revelation 5:9-10

Can you grasp what the apostle John saw in this vision? Creatures in heaven are singing this to "a Lamb" (verse 6) - and it clearly refers to Jesus Christ....

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." - John 1:29

Jesus, who was with God the Father from the beginning (1:1), came to Earth to redeem us from our sins by His pure sacrifice. But it means more than that. We're made "to be a kingdom and priests" - or as the King James Version puts it, "made.... unto our God kings and priests...."

Pocket Kings in poker can be good. Becoming a real king is even better. And to be a king serving under God on this Earth? That's a huge dream, that the Bible indicates someday will come true. As Jesus put it....

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. - Revelation 3:21

Uh-oh - did you see the "catch" there? We have to overcome, before we can sit with Jesus. That's the daily battle of life, resisting sin and walking in a godly way.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21

That's obviously not easy to do. But it's what God requires to obtain that big dream - and with His help, you can do it.

...Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. - I John 5:4

How are you doing, in achieving your dreams? Do you have the biggest dream of all? And have you put your faith in God, so you can gain it?

Team Work

He lasted for awhile - but not long enough to make the money. "Jeopardy James" Holzhauer finished 451st in a World Series of Poker tournament this week. There were more than 1,800 entries, so that's not bad. But he needed to place 281st or better to get paid.

Holzhauer also apparently fell short in a second WSOP event, one that's unlike any we've seen before. He partnered with Mike Sexton in a "Tag-Team No-Limit Hold 'em" tournament. The rules state teams of two to four players can tag in or out when they're out of a hand. The tournament is still underway as we post this, but the tag-team event made a little money for one-time baseball star Jose Canseco.

What do you think of this format? It's different from some "poker leagues", where teams compete all day as individuals and then add up their scores like a bowling team. One player represents the team, and we suppose could swap notes on the opposition with teammates while they're out. There's something to be said for that....

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12

In most cases, poker is an individual event. Unless someone sponsors your buy-in at an event like the WSOP, you're on your own from start to finish. If your life is like that, it doesn't have to be - and we don't think it should be.

God sets the lonely in families.... - Psalm 68:6

How does God do that? For almost 2,000 years, He's invited people to be part of His family, or His "body"....

And God placed all things under his [Jesus's] feet and appointed him to be the head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. - Ephesians 1:22-23

A well-functioning church has many members working together to do God's work on Earth....

But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.... so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. - I Corinthians 12:18, 25

Read this entire chapter, and you'll see this is not really "tag-team" action. Various members of the team have different roles, as the human body does - all functioning at the same time.

The concept of a church can be scary to some people. But we encourage you to find one that's true to the Word of God, and offer to join in their mission. If you need help with finding one, leave a comment; we'll be happy to help you get on the team.

More Daily Doubles?

He made bets over and over. Time and time again. Minute by minute. Day after day. And practically all of them succeeded, making him a lot of money. Yet somehow, he's a bit reluctant to play poker.

Courtesy Las Vegas Review-Journal

We're talking about James Holzhauer, whose wins on the TV quiz show Jeopardy! this year have gained far more attention than any poker tournament. He heads to the World Series of Poker Monday, to compete in a (deep breath) No-Limit Hold 'em Super Turbo Bounty tournament.

"Jeopardy James" won more than $2.45 million on TV in recent weeks. Yet Holzhauer told a Las Vegas newspaper he's entering two WSOP events only because World Poker Tour host Mike Sexton offered to sponsor his buy-ins - and they total only $2,500. The former online player explained, "I'm sure I wouldn't be good enough at it to justify forgoing other opportunities". For him, that means betting on sports.

Holzhauer didn't help poker's reputation when he added, "My main goal is to get lucky." Poker advocates have faced an uphill fight convincing courts and governments that the game includes some skill.

Hand it to Holzhauer for having humility here. Even though he won more than 30 consecutive games on TV, he's not expecting to whip the world at the WSOP. We think plenty of players could learn from that example. A classic book puts it this way....

Good and upright is the Lord.... He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. - Psalm 25:8-9

Sometimes a humble walk before God can have fringe benefits, even at a poker table:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2

"But wait," you may be saying. "Didn't we leave out the part of that psalm that applies to James Holzhauer? After all, he's a sports gambler!" Oh - yes, we did. Let's address that....

...Therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. - Psalm 25:8b

Indeed, many consider sports gambling a sin. (For some reason, we've never heard anyone call the risks of winnings on Jeopardy! a sin.) But we'd ask in return: are you sinning in some other way? Perhaps in a way you don't even see?

...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23

Deep down, we're all not good enough for God. His standard is perfect (Psalm 18:30), and human beings are not. We need to be humble enough to ask for His help. Thankfully, He provided some.

...And are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. - Romans 3:24

You can be redeemed from sin through the sacrifice of the sinless Savior. Jesus Christ came from the throne of God in heaven to do that. But you need to humbly repent of your sin and accept Jesus as your Lord.

In a poker tournament, "daily doubles" can be hidden in any hand - opportunities to go all-in and double your chip count (or even triple it). Perhaps "Jeopardy James" will hit a few of those at the WSOP. We don't know if he believes in God for such things. If you do, maybe it's time you did - before the "final jeopardy" of death comes.
 

Eli's Coming

It's not easy winning a bracelet at the World Series of Poker. But this week, a man won a bracelet for the fourth time.

Courtesy Cardplayer.com

Eli Elezra won a seven-card stud tournament, defeating nearly 300 opponents to claim nearly $94,000. Four bracelets in 13 years could put him in the hall of fame, as fewer than 50 people have won four WSOP bracelets.

Elezra is a native of Israel - and his first name Eli has a history dating back to ancient Israel:

...Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's temple. - I Samuel 1:9

Eli Elezra no doubt is good at reading his opponents. But Eli the priest made a mis-read, when he saw a young woman appealing to God....

Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine." - I Samuel 1:13-14

He wasn't the first male to misunderstand what a woman was doing. Hannah explained, and Eli calmed down to bless her (verses 15-17). But chapter 2 shows Eli was flawed in other ways that were even worse. That led to this statement from God, to one of Hannah's children....

And the Lord said to Samuel.... "For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them." - I Samuel 3:11, 13

You can sit at a final table and look sharp. You can even sit outside the house of God and look sharp. But if you don't keep your family in order, God reserves the right to judge you for it. That's why a famous proverb advises:

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. - Proverbs 22:6

Eli Elezra calls himself on Twitter a "family man" - and his autobiography is called in Hebrew Poker Legend. May you put those titles in the proper order, and not do what made another Eli legendary in a Biblical way.

The Fight Over 50

The 2019 World Series of Poker is underway in Las Vegas. There seems to be a format for practically everyone - including an online tournament and a "Mini Main Event" (as if the Main Event is too big for some people).

This weekend marked the first four flights of a No-Limit Hold 'em tournament called the "Big 50" -  because the WSOP is marking its 50th year. Everyone starts with 50,000 chips, and the blinds go up every 50 minutes.

The top note atop the website calls it the "50th anniversary of WSOP." But hold on - the history page says the first one was in 1970. So isn't this really the 49th anniversary?  If you became married in 1970, that's what you would logically celebrate during 2019.

The timing of all this is fascinating, because an annual Biblical festival is approaching where the number 50 matters - including how you count it.

From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off 50 days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord. - Leviticus 23:15-16

Many Jews call this event Shavuot. Many Christians call it Pentecost, based on a Greek word meaning "fiftieth." Something big happened on that day long ago, shortly after Jesus returned to heaven....

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.... All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. - Acts 2:1-4

Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come and enable them to do amazing works (John 14:12, 26). This annual festival day is considered the unofficial launch date of the New Testament Church.

But would you believe church groups have divided over the proper way to count to 50 days? Some people (and countries) keep Pentecost on Monday, calling it an "absolute" vital doctrine. Others say the proper day is Sunday, since a Sunday was "the day after the Sabbath" and should count as Day 1.

If church groups are divided by this, do you see how the WSOP's way of counting and wording can make things confusing? Which way would you figure it - and why?

If you want to make an appeal to WSOP to straighten things out, that's up to you. Instead, we're beginning our own study of which "count of 50" to Pentecost is proper. We're already seeing it can be a matter of detailed wording of ancient tongues.

First, Second or Chop?

Some people show up at poker tournaments with other issues on their minds. We mentioned one recent game where a player was in the area for a funeral - and we tried to remind him of the Bible's promise of a resurrection.

Believers in God have held onto that hope for thousands of years - even in Old Testament times:

If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. - Job 14:14 (KJV)

Job is not talking here about setting out a 1,000 chip and betting 250. The "change" he wants is described in the NIV as a "renewal" - a body being renewed to new life. Jesus Christ confirmed that....

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies…." - John 11:25

But our prior post may have surprised you, by mentioning multiple resurrections. It's explained in the Bible's final chapters....

...They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. - Revelation 20:4-5

The first resurrection belongs to those who are faithful to God until the end of their lives (first part of verse 4; Hebrews 11:35). But if there's a first one, that logically means there's going to be at least a second one - after Jesus rules over Earth for a millennium.

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

This will be a massive resurrection, likely involving billions of people. It also will be a resurrection of judgment, with this sobering warning....

If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. - Revelation 20:15

Some believers actually consider this a third resurrection - with the rebellious burned up along death and "Hades" (verse 14). This really is not a "podium finish." The Bible calls it a "second death."

We've won some money in poker tournaments lately by "chopping" the prize money with other players. We're thankful to do that, even if it means a little less than a first-place prize. But some tournaments don't work that way; the World Series of Poker Main Event comes down to one person in first place, with another in second.

God's judgment works the same way. We see nothing in the Bible to indicate you can "straddle" and be in more than one resurrection. Which resurrection you receive ultimately is up to God, since He's the only one who can resurrect us. But read Revelation 20, and strive for the first one. Any judgment there apparently will be quick, with the prize assured.

Remember As You Play....

...Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. - Ephesians 4:22 (New Living Translation)

Poker players like to joke during tournaments about how "truthful" they are. The real truth is that sometimes, players resort to deceptive moves to win pots. We did something like that, with an all-in moment in our last tournament. A man did it several times to Phil Hellmuth at this year's World Series of Poker Main Event, leading to one of Hellmuth's most famous rants in years.

Does the verse we quoted mean poker players should end all that? Not necessarily. The New International Version translates the last part by saying, "Your old self.... is being corrupted by its deceitful desires." The desire is deceitful, more than the person or his actions - although the two certainly can combine:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? - Jeremiah 17:9

What does your heart desire, when you play poker? If it's simply a good time with friends or an entertaining evening, that's one thing. But if you're hungry for money or fame, be careful....

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. - Ecclesiastes 5:10

Some things really are worth desiring - and they're things which require no deception at all. In fact, they depend on you being truthful.

Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. - Hebrews 13:18

That desirable life can lead to eternal life in God's kingdom - but it depends on having a "clear conscience." Have you checked yours lately? Are you really living a life that God would accept - in the poker room, as well as outside it?

Cynn City

Soccer fans will be focused today on the World Cup finals in Russia. The event might last three hours, if it winds up in a penalty kick shootout. But imagine an event where determining a world champion came down to a showdown even longer than that - practically lasting all night.

Courtesy Joe Ginn/WSOP.com

That's what happened this morning at the World Series of Poker's Main Event. The final two players battled from Saturday sundown until nearly 5:00 a.m. Las Vegas time - and it ended with Indiana native John Cynn (right) outlasting Florida's Tony Miles to take the "title belt" and $8.8 million.

The lead in heads-up play went back and forth several times, so we give credit to both men for playing hard and well. But in the end, this Main Event probably will inspire a lot of clever headlines (like ours) - and maybe even a few sermons from preachers.

For instance, Miles wore a Tim Tebow college football jersey to the final table. Tebow is known as a  believer in Jesus Christ. We're not sure where Miles stands on that - but his challenge for more than ten hours was, well, overcoming Cynn. It's your challenge, too, only with a different spelling....

...for everyone born of God overcomes the world.... Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. - I John 5:4-5

Louis Armstrong sang years ago, "What a Wonderful World" - and in some ways it is. But it's also a world filled with sin:

For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. - I John 2:16

This endurance contest isn't only for one night - it's a lifelong "main event." So how can you overcome these more common "sins"? We skipped over part of chapter 5, which offers an answer:

This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. - I John 5:4b

The late George Michael sang it correctly: you've got to have faith. But it needs to be in the right things - or better put, the right Ones. It means believing in Jesus as God's Son, and turning to Him to cover your sinful life.

...For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. - Revelation 12:10-11

That "accuser" is Satan, the devil (Job 1:6-9). The blood of Jesus can pay the penalty for your sin, and give you freedom to testify of the good things God does in your life.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21

On this Sunday in Las Vegas, Mr. Cynn came out on top. It's a victory he earned. In your life, "sin" doesn't have to win. Put your faith in the Son of God who can help you overcome it.

Prophets of Profits

We told you a few days ago about Frankie Flowers - the operator of a non-profit organization in New York who did well in the World Series of Poker Main Event. He made the money, which is good. But he's now out of the running, finishing in 424th place.

Courtesy WSOP.com

Flowers earned close to $30,000. Trouble is, he talked about making much more than that. WSOP.com posted he was "prophecizing" at the Main Event about making a million dollars or more at the final table. We'll forgive the writer for not knowing the proper way to write that big word. Flowers actually may have been prophecying. Or, in street slang, he simply may have been "trash talking."

Yet some religious people have the idea that "faith talk" can lead to success - whether it be a lot of money, a spouse or something else. Where do they get that? From Bible verses such as....

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.... - II Corinthians 9:10-11

Claim that as a "faith promise," some people suggest, and the "God from whom all blessings flow" (to borrow from a famous church song) will pour them out on you.

We've admittedly seen God do that in our life - but there's a problem with that suggestion. It doesn't happen every time. The Bible nowhere shows that the first apostles died as tycoons or millionaires. In fact, the apostle who wrote the verses above wound up dying in a prison dungeon:

...This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. - II Timothy 2:8-9

You may win a lot of money playing poker. You may go bust a lot. Yet through good times and bad, the best thing to do is what Paul did. He kept his focus on God:

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. - I Timothy 6:6-8

Instead of talking big, the model prayer of Jesus recommended a small request....

Give us this day our daily bread. - Matthew 6:11

Can you be content with that? The Bible indicates you should. Be thankful for whatever blessing God gives, even if it seems small. If you do, something great could come in the long run.

Flowers in the Desert

If you've dreamed of making money at the World Series of Poker Main Event.... keep dreaming until next year. This year's Main Event passed the "bubble point" early today, with all remaining players guaranteed a cash prize.

Courtesy WSOP.com

One of the intriguing stories on WSOP.com today involves Frankie Flowers. He finished Day 3 in  second place on the leaderboard, and he's already sure of where his prize money is going. Flowers operates a non-profit foundation which helps low-income people north of New York City.

If you're playing poker simply to get rich, maybe you should learn a lesson from Flowers. Or better yet, learn it from Jesus....

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." - Matthew 19:21

The Lord said this to a man who thought he kept all of God's commandments perfectly (verses 16-20). But when Jesus recommended these extra points....

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. - Matthew 19:22

Let's focus on what Jesus recommended:

1. "Sell.... possessions and give to the poor." Does that mean every penny? We don't think so - because then Flowers would be in the same predicament as the people he's trying to help. (Only a couple of Bible translations add words like "all" or "everything" to verse 21.)

But God is looking for a heart that is giving, not hoarding. After all....

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. - I Timothy 6:7

2. "Follow me." That's actually the tougher advice to accept - because it takes a lifetime of effort and study:

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and may enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. - Matthew 7:13-14

This goes beyond giving, to obeying God and His Word. Challenging though it is, that narrow road results in eternal life - joining Jesus forever in the Kingdom of God.

We'll keep following Flowers, and have more on him in an upcoming post.

The Marathon Man (WSOP Edition)

As this year's World Series of Poker rolls on in Las Vegas, we're struck by how may events now have catchy titles. The "Deuce-to-Seven Lowball Triple Draw" admittedly sounds awfully nerdy. But we've mentioned the "Colossus" - and this weekend, the "Marathon" concluded.

Courtesy WSOP.com

Australia's Michael Addamo won the five-day Marathon, which had more than 1,600 entries. The name apparently comes from the fact that each level of blinds lasted 100 minutes, while your neighborhood poker room might increase the blinds after 15 or 20.

But let's be honest - don't most poker tournaments feel like marathons? Especially if you survive deep into the final table? The first table or two might seem like a sprint, as wild players take their chances and go bust early. But the fight to make the money takes time, and usually isn't easy.

A wise man once wrote about that - even though we don't think he ever played poker:

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. - Ecclesiastes 9:11

We've been surprised by how long "turbo" tournaments can last in our new area. Even with 15-minute blinds, it took more than three hours in our last event to whittle 14 players down to four.

Outside the poker room, our lives also can be like that. While Addamo won a bracelet at age 23, it came after four years of effort at the WSOP and other events. To reach the ultimate success in life can take far longer - a lifetime, in fact. But consider what's promised:

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations... I will also give him the morning star. - Revelation 2:26, 28

Jesus Christ made this promise to a church in the city of Thyatira (verse 18). National authority under Jesus is the reward to those who "endure," as the King James Version puts it. That will happen when the Kingdom of God comes to Earth.

There's been some sad news lately about famous names dying from suicide. It's hard to argue they truly "endured to the end." If you're thinking about doing the same thing, read this letter from a church President. Then seek professional help, if necessary. Save the desperation push for A-Q in a Small Blind - while ending your marathon of life successfully.

Hello, Friends

This year's World Series of Poker is underway in Las Vegas - and as usual, it's far more than one tournament. This year, the "Main Event" is only "Event #65" out of 78 on the schedule.

Courtesy WSOP.com

One of the big early winners is Roberly Felicio of Brazil. He won one million dollars in the "Colossus", defeating more than 13,000 other contestants. Felicio admitted he arrived in Las Vegas "with only one friend" - but as he advanced, other Brazilian residents started rooting loudly for him from the rail.

The skeptic in us wants to ask: Are those supporters really Felicio's friends now?

National pride can create spur-of-the-moment friendships, of course. So can the hope of sharing in someone's big jackpot or success. But a true friendship should go deeper than that....

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17

Will that person be with you if you don't make the money - or when the money runs out? If so, that's a sign of a real friend. Someone once walked the earth who was willing to be that kind of friend....

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and 'sinners.'" But wisdom is proved right by her actions. - Matthew 11:19

Jesus Christ said this in response to Pharisee critics. They couldn't believe a man doing miracles and claiming a relationship with God would associated with such people (Matthew 9:11). But He did, for a reason:

...For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. - Matthew 9:13

Some believers in Jesus are quick to call Him the "sinners' friend." That's true. But Jesus put very strict requirements on friendship with Him:

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. - John 15:13-14

Some people stayed close to Jesus because He did miracles providing them free food. He realized that, and told them off for it (John 6:26-27). But are you studying the Bible to see what Jesus commands you to do? It's a relationship that should go much deeper, and far beyond the emotions of a poker tournament.

When a 2 Will Do

Poker's biggest tournament this year came down to two players - and a 2 of hearts.

Scott Blumstein may forever have A-2 attached to his name, the way 10-2 is to Doyle Brunson's. Blumstein called an all-in bet by Daniel Ott, who held A-8. The board didn't pair until that 2 of hearts came on the river - making Blumstein the World Series of Poker Main Event champion, winning more than $8 million.

Blumstein seemed quite humbled by his moment of victory. For one thing, he only had a seven percent chance of hitting that winning river card. Blumstein called it a "normally inconsequential" card.

Sometimes we make decisions that don't seem to matter, only to find they eventually do. That may really be the case at the end of our lives:

Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." - Matthew 25:34-36

Jesus Christ, the coming "King of Kings," indicates His Kingdom will be given to those who do good deeds all the time. But the attitude goes beyond that....

Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?" - Matthew 25:37

It's as if the helpful, giving approach is second nature to them. They do it without much thought. But God sees and keeps track of it.

In Blumstein's case, it may have been as simple as letting people pay part of his $10,000 buy-in. Four people paid $60, and will wind up with more than $40,000. So much for "building wealth slowly" on Wall Street.

Blumstein had more to say about his win. We'll comment on what he said another day - but for now, we offer congratulations to poker's new "Ace," and his willingness to share the wealth. Even if he needed a deuce to do it.

New Kid on the Block

Poker's biggest tournament quickly has moved to its final table. The "July Nine" at the World Series of Poker Main Event was settled Monday night, and will return for the decisive concluding hands beginning Thursday night.

Courtesy PokerNews.com

The man currently in second place is standing out in more ways than one. John Hesp of Great Britain is considered an "amateur" - someone who normally only plays in tournaments once a month. He's 64 years old, which is considered ancient in final table history. And he's wearing a borrowed jacket that looks like it was passed along from the late sportscasters Bud Collins or Craig Sager.

Hesp told PokerNews.com he went to the main event because it was an item on his "bucket list." A movie ten years ago made that phrase popular - but we wonder how many people take it seriously.

The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both.... Like the fool, the wise man too must die! - Ecclesiastes 2:14, 16

Some people want to play poker before they die. Others want to tour the world. But are they forgetting something?

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

The Bible warns a judgment day is coming. Your skills at playing poker probably won't matter then. But other things will....

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out - those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. - John 5:28-29

If your "bucket list" contains things that are good in God's sight.... well, perhaps then the whole idea of a "bucket list" will be a misnomer.

Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." - Matthew 25:34

As a part of God's Kingdom, you'll get to live forever! You'll be able to serve and rule under Jesus Christ - and maybe even make lists of buckets, if you wish.


We wish everyone well at the final table. But we can understand why the casual poker fan is drawn to John Hesp - if only for his "technicolor dreamcoat". But that's another Bible topic for another time....

Perfectly Timed

The more we ponder our last poker tournament, the more we think about the hand we saw, but couldn't play - the "bad beat" shown on ESPN. We mentioned how Vanessa Selbst had pocket Aces, and developed a full house with Aces over 7's.

But Gaelle Baumann (pictured) had pocket 7's which turned into quads by the turn. One bet led to a raise, and Selbst was put all-in and eliminated. Selbst was wise enough to ask Baumann if she had quads after calling.

The timing of the cards was terrible for Selbst. But it was perfect for more than Baumann. It was perfect for ESPN, which had the two ladies at a feature table playing "live" on a Sunday afternoon (tournament rules require a 30-minute delay). A lot of poker hands can be mundane, but that was great TV drama.

We can think of Someone else who has a tremendous sense of timing....

...A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light.... - Titus 1:2-3

God lives beyond time and space. He had no "beginning" in eternity past, as hard as that is for humans to understand. Yet God timed out a "season" for bringing meaning to Old Testament scriptures - especially the prophecies of a messiah.

...This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus.... - II Timothy 1:9-10

When the time was right, Jesus came. In fact, some Bible scholars say Jesus's ministry began in exact timing to fulfill prophetic times of Daniel 9 - a topic too complex for us to explain here.

But there's one remaining time mystery in the Bible. It's one many have tried to figure out, sometimes to their own embarrassment....

"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." - Acts 1:11

When will Jesus Christ return? Lots of believers want to know. While we don't know for sure, it's a good idea to be ready for Him now....

So you must also be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. - Matthew 24:44

The Boy Scouts would say, "be prepared" - even for the return of Jesus. To miss out on that could be the worst play of all.

Poker Day 503: The Best of Intentions

"See ya, Vanessa!" someone said at the Kansas Star Casino poker room today as the first few hands unfolded.

It wasn't aimed at anyone in the room, but the big screen TV on the wall. The opening round of the World Series of Poker Main Event was on ESPN, and Vanessa Selbst was being bad-beat eliminated -- A-A for a full house falling to Gaelle Baumann's 7-7 for quads.

It was easy to be distracted by the high-stakes poker game on the big screen. But we tried to learn some tips from the ESPN coverage, as we competed in our own Sunday tournament.

BLINDS: 300/600

IN THE POCKET: Q-Q

We've won a few modest pots during the day, but taken some chances that didn't work. We've never been above the 12,000-chip starting point, and start this hand at 6,600. Sitting in the leadoff seat, we quietly call and wait to see if others jump at a fairly active table. No one raises, but five players are in.

ON THE FLOP:  J-4-7 (third card might not be precise)

An overpair will work for us. After the blinds check, we bet 2,000. A man wearing a Missouri sweatshirt calls, while everyone else folds. We suspect he paired the board, but nothing more.

At this moment, the dealer notices our card protector - so our MINISTRY MOMENT will be mixed in with this.  "That looks like the last supper," he says.

"It is," we respond.

ON THE TURN: 9

"Well, this could be my last supper," we remark. We go all-in for the last 4,000.

"You've got me," our opponent says. Yet he reaches for chips and calls, anyway.  He shows what we expected - a Jack, with a 10. He's being courteous to us, so....

ON THE RIVER: J

OUCH!!!! Our opponent really didn't expect that. But he gets a third Jack on the river, and a handshake from us. It's not quite Selbst v. Baumann, but the result still hurts. We're knocked out the hard way, finishing 54th out of 77 players.

Now back to the Ministry Moment. Do you know why Christians refer to it as the "last supper"? It's because of these words of Jesus:

And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." - Luke 22:15-16

The meal was an evening Passover feast - something Jesus kept as a Jew by birth, but also as the God of creation:

The Lord's Passover begins at twilight on the 14th day of the first month. - Leviticus  23:5

After that "supper," Jesus was arrested and executed. So it was His last one as a human on earth. But here's the good news - Jesus was resurrected, and is preparing to come back to earth. When that happens, another supper is coming!

Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are they who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' And he added: 'These are the true words of God.'" - Revelation 19:9

This is the "Lamb" once described this way....

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" - John 1:29

Jesus's execution actually fulfilled God's great plan - as a human "Passover lamb." His blood can remove your sin if you accept Him, then clear the path for you to be part of His great wedding supper in the Kingdom of God. If you're not sure how to secure your place at that magnificent banquet, leave a comment and we'll be pleased to help you.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 184 final tables in 503 games (36.6%) - 37 cashes.
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