Good Reception

The National League of Poker gives, and then it takes away. Only days after we won two dollars in a cash freeroll, NLOP dropped the nightly freerolls again. Perhaps it was a limited-time offer.

So for the last few days, we've been trying out free PokerStars.Net tournaments for the first time in years. We're not in a U.S. state where we can win money, but the challenge is good and the "entry chips" are structured generously.

It was at a Poker Stars table that we met a player named "ReceiveJesus." We tried to strike up a  chat....

flopblogger: Good to see that name, "Receive Jesus"
flopblogger: Methinks everyone should

There was no response from that player. But the concept is a good one. It comes from Jesus Himself:

He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. - Matthew 10:40

Jesus was speaking here to His 12 main disciples, before He sent them out to the surrounding area (verse 5). It's humbling to think that disciples represent God the Father and Jesus the Son. But they do - and there's even a payoff for you if you accept them:

Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. - Matthew 10:41

Someone is "righteous" because of what Jesus Christ has done - not really because of anything you do:

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.... - Romans 3:21-22

Jesus wants you to receive Him in faith, to gain the reward of the righteous which is eternal life with Him (Hebrews 10:35-38). But Jesus won't force His way upon you. You must willingly receive Him:

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. - Revelation 3:20

If you catch the right card on the river, you can win a pot and survive in a tournament. If you "catch Christ" by receiving Jesus, the reward will be even better. Is it time for you to make the reception?

Swimming with GPI's

Movies have the Oscars. Television has the Emmys. Even the sports world now has ESPYs. So why not an awards show for the poker world?

Nominees were announced this week for the first-ever Global Poker Awards. They're from Global Poker Index, or GPI for short - which could mean we call these awards the "Guppies."

But let's get serious: only a couple of these awards actually are for skill at the poker table. The rest are for people around poker - such as "Poker Journalist," broadcaster and outstanding Tournament Director. (Why is there no award for the best dealer?)

No, this blog did not get nominated for these awards. We didn't even know they were coming. But that's OK - because we've come to realize that while awards are nice to win and could help your resume, they don't have real lasting value. Consider these words....

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. - I Corinthians 9:25

One of our Bibles comments that the apostle Paul probably is referring here to ancient events such as the Olympics or Isthmian Games. Foot races were big events, and winners received laurel wreaths. They might last a few days, but flowers and fresh vegetation eventually withers and dies.

On the other hand, Paul found a crown truly worth seeking, which will "last forever." What could that be?

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. - II Timothy 4:8

He lived seeking a crown from God - and wrote these words of hope shortly before he died (verse 6). As another verse puts it:

...Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. - Revelation 2:10

It's at least symbolic of eternal life, which Jesus will award when He comes again and His faithful believers are resurrected. Now that's an award truly worth seeking - and it will last forever. Award show trophies won't. Not even big poker bracelets will. Which prize has your top attention?

Beyond That Name

Our last post explained the name of this blog. It's called "On the Flop" for several reasons.

But to be honest, there have been times over the years when we wonder if we misnamed it - and should have mentioned the two cards after the flop instead.

The turn card is fourth out of five on the board, in standard Texas Hold 'em. If you're one card away from a flush or straight on the flop, you could make it here. A lot can, well, turn on that card.

In the same way, God wants all of us to "make the turn" in life. That advice began early in history - long before "come to Jesus moments" became a cliché:

The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. - Deuteronomy 30:10 (NLT)

That "Book" was what Jews call the Torah - the first five books of the Old Testament. The "turn" to God should be complete, not holding back anything in our lives. And it means obeying what God says - or in our time, what He has inspired to be written in the Bible.

So a great change can happen "On the Turn." And in poker, the river card comes after that. It comes out last, but many times it's not least. Big pots and tournament titles have been decided by a dramatic river card.

The Bible speaks of rivers as well, often in symbolic terms. Consider this one....

Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living. - Amos 5:24 (NLT)

The prophet (and, by extension, God) was not satisfied with simply "noisy hymns of praise" (verse 23, NLT). Praise music has its place, but living "On the River" in a godly way is even better.

But make no mistake - that "come to Jesus moment" still matters. In fact, Jesus puts it all together:

Now on the last day, the great day of the Feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" - John 7:37-38 (NASB)

The "rivers" here refer to the Holy Spirit of God working in your life (verse 39). It comes when you repent of your sin - admitting you're a "flop" in God's eyes, then "turning" your life over to Him.

All that may sound hard to do - harder than winning any poker tournament.  But we're reminded of what NASCAR pit reporter Winston Kelly said one day during a race: "It takes a pretty brave man to admit he made a mistake." May you have the courage to admit your mistakes and sins to God - then start moving toward the river.

Poker Night 526: When Stars Stop Shining

"You've brave and courageous having poker tonight," we told the Tournament Director after stepping inside Five-Star Billiards. "Considering Wichita isn't having school tomorrow."

Only a thin layer of ice/snow covered the parking lot, so we were being humorous (even though school indeed is canceled). But minutes later, the Director had some sad news. Tonight was the final night of business for the billiard hall. Not many people apparently stopped by to play pool. So the drinks were half-price, but the poker blinds were the same as usual....

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: 9-K of hearts

It's the very first hand of the night - and the table is small. We're one of five players; cold weather may have combined with the closing news and the national holiday to kept people away. We're in the Big Blind, and the man with the deal raises to 400. Since these cards are suited, we'll take him on. The Small Blind calls as well.

ON THE FLOP: Qc-Jc-10d

Not our suit, but still quite handsome! We have both ends of a straight, but we politely check to the raiser. Sure enough, the Dealer bets 400. The Small Blind calls, but that's not enough for us.

"Raise - 1,000," we announce. Our two opponents call. Are they chasing what we have?

ON THE TURN: Qs

The board pairs - but if someone has a Queen, we're still in front. The Small Blind checks, and we bet 1,000 again. Both men call again, and we feel good.

ON THE RIVER: 5c

Now things aren't so good. Three clubs are showing, which opens the door for a flush. The Small Blind checks. We cautiously check. But the Dealer checks as well, giving us hope.

"I have a straight," we reveal.

"I have a boat."

What?!?!? The Small Blind turns over Q-5! Yes, he had three Queens - but the river brought him a full house. (The Dealer had A-J, and missed a higher straight.)

We lost the second hand we entered as well, and it looked like our night would be brief. But then we won a couple of pots, and tripled our stack to 19,900 when A-J led to three Aces. We reached the first break at 17,900.

We won another small pot in the second term, then lost two hands in a row to a man who first fooled us by bluffing a big hand, then actually made one. Yet we reached the final table with 6,000 chips.

At that point, we went all-in with K-J of spades. A woman called with A-5, but received an Ace on the flop. She took us out in eighth place - but at least we can say we reached the last two final tables at Five-Star.

MINISTRY MOMENT: The holiday marked today was Martin Luther King Day, and we referred to it a few times. "How about equality, with an extra 1,000 chips for all?" we joked - referring to the bonus WPT League VIP members receive at every tournament.

"Be known not by the color of your chips...." a man to our right offered.

"But the content of your character," we said when he couldn't remember the end of the sentence. "Character matters," we added.

It's been intriguing in recent days to hear U.S. right-wing conservatives turn that line from the "I Have a Dream" speech against Democrats. But we're not here to play politics. Instead, we wish more people emphasized what Dr. King mentioned. How is your character?

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. - Romans 5:3-4

Our hardbound dictionary has more than 15 definitions of "character." They include, "The combined moral or ethical structure of a person or group" and "Moral or ethical strength; integrity; fortitude." We think that's what these Bible verses have in mind.

God wants to build strong moral character in you. If you think you don't need God's help, we think you could be sadly mistaken....

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.... - Isaiah 64:6

That's especially true compared to God. So what can we do? Isaiah goes on to hint at an answer:

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. - Isaiah 64:8

It starts with believing in God, and allowing Him to do His work in you. God can provide His Holy Spirit to help.

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those that live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.... the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. - Romans 8:5-6

We've mentioned before that receiving God's Spirit to develop His character begins with repenting of your sins (Acts 2:38). That "turn" is bigger than any poker card you'll ever see - and it can bring great victory, in this life and the next.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 191 final tables in 526 games (36.3%) - 39 cashes. Final score at Five-Star: three final tables in eight tournaments.

Poker Day 516: Beginner's Luck?

Newcomers in a poker room tend to give themselves away. They ask questions when their turn comes, or puzzle over how to match someone's bet. That could make them easy marks for veterans. Unless.... well, check what happened today at Kansas Star Casino:

BLINDS: 25/25

IN THE POCKET: A-A

That's a nice sight to see in the early minutes of a tournament. We've only lost 25 of our original 3,500 chips. Sitting early in the order at a table of eight, we limp in and hope for pre-flop raises. As usual for us, there are none. About five players are in.

ON THE FLOP: 10-9-7

Two diamonds are showing, so that's a caution flag for us. Players to our right offer 50. They're nibbling. We want a big bite.

"That's not enough," we say - and we raise to 350. Several players take the hint and fold. But a young man who acts like a "newby" calls. We're heads-up.

ON THE TURN: 10

The board pairs, which makes us a bit more uneasy - especially when our opponent bets 200. We suspect he has a 9 for two pair. But our two pair are better, and we want to make sure he knows that.

"400," we say. He calls our raise. Hmmm.

ON THE RIVER: 10

Gulp - a third 10. We now have the best full house. But the newcomer now bets 500. Did the longshot come through for him? We decide not to risk a raise.

"If he has quads, he's got me," we say (stating the obvious). "But I'll call."

Our opponent then turns over.... Q-J! He missed his straight draw, and tried to bluff us away. Our full house means a gain to 4,975.

"Good play," a woman at the table says.

"Be careful - don't inflate his ego," a man in between us jokes. We smile, and offer the opportunity for players to pat our back. No one does.

The newcomer was the first to go bust at our table, while we almost doubled our chip stack to 6,950 at the first break. But then came some explosive hands where several players bet big and topped our A-J and similar hands. We were happy to make it to the second break with 3,600, with 17 players left.

We made six all-in bets from the second hour on. Only one was called - and that was the problem. We forced our way in with Q-10 of clubs and rising blinds. A man to our left called with A-4, and caught an Ace on the flop. While it was another good tournament day, this time we missed the final table by placing 12th out of 50 players.

MINISTRY MOMENT: "For a moment, I thought you had the world's largest orange chip." A man to our right was commenting on one of our new card protectors - a small tape measure we picked up for attending a college soccer match in Oklahoma.

"I brought it to remind me of something," we said as we extended the tape a bit. "Narrow is the way that leads to life, and few people find it. But wide is the way that leads to destruction."

The man knew right away what we meant. We didn't write down his exact response, but it was along the lines of this verse....

Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. - Psalm 118:19 (2011 NIV)

Thanksgiving Day may be over in the U.S., but we're not sure there's ever a wrong time to give thanks to God for His blessings. And the righteousness described there should not be something we create:

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known.... This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.... - Romans 3:21-22

Our righteousness is worthless (Isaiah 64:6). God's righteousness, through faith in Jesus, is priceless.

But let's back up a second. Did our statement about the tape measure seem familiar? It should....

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many 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

These are words of Jesus Christ. What do you think He meant by them? Offer a comment with your thoughts, and we'll compare notes in an upcoming post.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 188 final tables in 516 games (36.4%) - 38 cashes. Experiment cost: up $100.

Poker Day 509: Jack for the Pot

Today marked the start of a poker experiment for us. We'll explain what we mean in a moment - but first, let's get to the action on our first-ever Wednesday midday tournament at Kansas Star Casino:

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: J-9 of spades

The midweek tournament moves a little faster than the others, with 15-minute blinds. Not many good cards came our way in the first hour - but we won a couple of pots, including a desperation all-in chop at the first break with A-Q. That put us at a high for the day of 4,300 chips.

Now we're in our second hand at a new table, in the Small Blind with 3,300. No one has raised. It seems safe to speculate here, with relatively high suited cards. We call. The Big Blind checks, and about five players are in.

ON THE FLOP: K-Q-J

Ughhh.... this smells like trouble. We have a pair, but it's bottom pair. We have a straight draw, but it's a very risky straight draw. We're first to go, and we check. Much to our surprise, the entire table checks.

ON THE TURN: J

A third Jack for us looks like a jackpot card! It's a potential big winner - but we decide now is the time to strike.

"I'm all in," we say for 3,100. Trouble is, the woman in the Big Blind calls. Everyone else bails out, and we wonder - did she have a straight all along?

She flips over.... A-J! She has three Jacks as well, and her kicker has us topped. Our only real hope is for the river card to be a King or Queen, to chop another pot.

ON THE RIVER: 10

The very risky straight happens instead. Ours is K-9; hers is A-10. Hers is the pot; ours is the door. On a day with 63 players, we wind up 39th - but we don't think we would change our tactics, if we had a second chance at it.

MINISTRY MOMENT: "How are you today?" a man asked as we sat down next to him.

"Recovering," we said. Then, of course, he asked for an explanation.

"I was let go from my job Monday," we admitted. That's why this tournament was the start of an experiment. Can we make money playing poker, while we're between jobs?

A former co-worker happened to be in the poker room, at a cash game table. Based on his chip stack, he seemed to be doing well. But he's a self-described "grinder," ready to spend hours at tables. That's not what we've historically done.

Yet whether we strike it rich at poker or take a more regular job, we're trying to be optimistic. The Bible offers these words....

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. - Psalm 37:25

Yes, we know - some don't consider playing poker in casinos something "righteous" people would do. But the tournament format allows us to win a good bit of money for a relatively small entry fee. Midweek games will permit us to avoid the pricier Sunday tournaments for a while. And we always tithe on our winnings.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him.... - Psalm 111:4-5

Longtime blog readers will recall we were in a similar job predicament several years ago, in an area with no casinos at all. We could only play free tournaments at bars and online - yet we won money 12 times during a year-long layoff. We thanked God for each small win (and each prize was indeed small).

So we'll see what happens this time - although we admittedly tried to win back some of our entry fee at a blackjack table, and wound up losing a little more. We plan to follow this guideline:

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. - Philippians 4:5 (KJV)

We're not "betting the farm." Maybe a few bushels at a time. We'll see if God allows them to turn into a bumper crop.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 185 final tables in 509 games (36.3%) - 36 cashes. Experiment cost: Down $50.

Hey, Big Spenders

We're not in a place where we can watch the relaunched Poker After Dark. But the show is making news for some big pots - and big blunders.

One hand posted this weekend finds pocket Aces getting crushed on the flop, when a man with A-4 gets trips with a 5-4-4 flop. The man with Aces apparently assumed a raise was a bluff; he re-raised, then went all in on the turn.

This is a classic case of "loose" play versus "cautious" play. A TV series like this tends to encourage looseness; this pot wound up totaling $980,000. But for the cautious player, an opponent raising on the  flop would have set off alarm bells.

So what sort of poker player are you? If you're playing with real money in a cash game, we'd bring up this verse....

A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. - Proverbs 12:26

"Righteous" people might come across as cautious people. That's because they don't want anything to soil their righteous reputation. But if the righteousness comes from their own standards, there's a potential problem:

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. - Isaiah 64:6

Our righteousness, as cautious as we might be, ultimately doesn't amount to much. We need something better.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.... - Romans 3:21-22

People who put their faith in Jesus receive God's version of righteousness. There might still be caution after that, but only because they don't want to bring shame on the name of Jesus in whom they've put their faith.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness.... - I Timothy 6:10-11

Loving God and Jesus Christ leads to the right kind of righteousness. Being loose and "eager for money" does not. In fact, it can lead to costly mistakes. That advice may help you far from a table filled with Aces.

The Diamond Life

In a recent post, we talked about the four suits of playing cards in a poker deck. We noted the Bible doesn't mention spades and clubs, but it does mention diamonds.

Yet consider this: have you ever thought of yourself as a diamond? It's the stuff of old country songs. But we were reminded of a sermon we heard nearly 30 years ago on this topic (apparently based on an old book) - so we looked up the notes to see what the Bible might have to say:

And they shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him. - Malachi 3:17 (KJV)

Some Bible translations have different wording for "jewels". But the original Hebrew refers to "wealth" - and someone with diamonds has a wealth-building item. So who are the "jewels" the "Lord of hosts" is talking about here?

Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. - Malachi 3:16

These "diamond" people fear God, yet don't fear humans - because they're willing to talk about Him. What else do they do?

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. - Proverbs 1:8-9

These are people who fulfill the Biblical command to "honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12). Yet one Bible concordance surprised us here - as the Hebrew word for "chain" can mean "as if strangling". That's a very tight relationship!

So God would like to think of you as a diamond, or perhaps some other jewel. And He can provide what you need to accomplish that:

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoiced in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10

God offers you salvation and His righteousness. If you choose to accept them and His way of life, then a more current song can come true - and He'll make a diamond out of you.

Game Within the Game

World Series of Poker season has arrived again in Las Vegas. You can enter dozens of contests and try to win bracelets. Or this year, you can go play somewhere else.

The "Kings Cash Game Lounge" lets players relax between tournaments by playing cash-game poker. Based on what we've seen in other places, this is really no surprise. In what other activity would people take a break from playing poker - by playing more poker?

But what strikes us is how WSOP tries to sell the "luxury" of this lounge. Tables with "cushioned rails" and "automatic shufflers"? That's standard stuff at most casino poker rooms we've visited. "Comfortable sofas and easy chairs" on the side? Plenty of upscale clubs which host weekly "poker nights" have those.

In other words, some poker players back home may have things better than they know. But imagine how much better things could be....

Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. - Proverbs 10:6

The best blessings come from God. And believe it or not, He wants to hand them out - even to you. So how can you obtain them?

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him. - Romans 10:12

So we need to call on God, and be "righteous." How does that work?

For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. - Romans 2:13

That "law" can refer to God's commandments (Psalms 119:172). But we've found a "righteousness" that's even better than that....

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.... - Romans 3:21-22

The law (despite what some might tell you) is good. Faith in Jesus is even better. Have you called on Him, to begin receiving the best blessings of all - the spiritual ones?

The Wize Guy

We've been playing more online poker lately, and coming across some interesting moments. Take this one the other night at National League of Poker, where two players named "Bizarro" and "Wize11" went all-in:

Dealer:  wize11 wins Main Pot ($19,180) with Two pair, queens and sixes
Me:  Wize beats Bizarro
Me:  Deep lesson there :-)

Which name describes your poker personality? Are you a "Wise" player (giving the winner of that hand the benefit of the doubt) - considering carefully your moves and actions? Or are you a "Bizarro" player, trying all sorts of styles and approaches to throw off opponents and get an edge?

We tend to take the "Wise" approach. That's more our nature, and we think it's more of a Biblical nature as well:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. - James 3:13

Proper wisdom should lead to humility. We think that means realizing there's a God who's much wiser than us - and seeking wisdom from God every day.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. - James 1:5

If we're honest with ourselves, we all lack wisdom in something. It could be how to handle a big poker hand, handling the money you win, or some other aspect of life. Don't be afraid to ask God in moments like that. If we do it in humility, He can provide wisdom when you least expect it.

But what is true wisdom, really? Is it knowing "the book" on playing any two particular cards? Ultimately, no....

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. - I Corinthians 1:30

That may not seem like a standard definition. But it's a Biblical definition. Wise people humbly seek to be righteous and holy - and Jesus Christ set the example for both those traits. Doing that will lead eventually to "redemption," being cleansed from sin to serve God forever (Hebrews 9:12-14).

Taking the "Bizarro" road can lead to all sorts of wild behavior and trouble. It's better to be a "Wize11" - and follow the wisest One of all.

One Task Only

They'll return to the table October 30, but the World Series of Poker "November Nine" are now settled. The Main Event final table has players from several countries, no real superstars - and one man who's already guaranteed himself a record payoff.



Courtesy CardPlayer.com

Fernando Pons is a native of Spain who works in retail sales. The WSOP website indicates his grand total winnings in live poker tournaments are $10,589. But what intrigues us about Pons is that the Main Event is the only tournament he went to Las Vegas to play. That probably makes him like a lot of poker players, who consider the Main Event a "bucket list" item with nothing else mattering.


What matters most in your life? If it's poker, we have some news that might surprise you or even upset you. Believe it or not, there's more to life than poker.

Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see... - Ecclesiastes 11:9a

 Sounds great so far, doesn't it? But that Bible verse isn't finished yet....

...But know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. - Ecclesiastes 11:9b

Yeah, we went there. We believe there is a God, and He's appointed Jesus Christ to judge all that we do in our lives.

The U.S. political campaigns have reminded us that lots of people judge others. If you vote, you might pick one candidate over another based on how they've conducted themselves, or what "sins" they've committed. But have we forgotten....

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbor? - James 4:12

Jesus will have the final word on which people are saved and which will be destruction (Revelation 20:12-15). So how can you get to the saved side? That's where we come back to the example of Fernando Pons:

But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. - Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Our lives need to have one main goal - seeking God's Kingdom by developing His righteousness. If you focus on that, bonus blessings will come. Maybe not a seat at the WSOP Main Event final table, but blessings of different kinds.

So again we ask: what matters most in your life - and should?

The Ultimate Decision

In the world of illegal drugs, a "pusher" is a bad guy. In the world of poker, a "pusher" could be many things - such as someone who's "on tilt" and ready to leave the game, or someone bluffing a lot to scare opponents.

Our last post referred to how God is willing to provide for us (yes, even for poker players) - but it requires a commitment. We think it takes a pusher's commitment.  Yes, an "all-in" commitment.

He provides food to those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. - Psalm 111:5

God provides if we "fear." What exactly does that mean?

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. - Psalm 37:25

God provides for "righteous" people.  There's a connection with fear there....

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. - Ecclesiastes 12:13

Fearing the Lord means keeping commandments because....

May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. - Psalm 119:172

God's commands are righteous things.  If we fear God and keep them, He'll provide for us - and might even do it in a poker room.  But we must commit to keeping God's commandments (such as Deuteronomy 5:6-21). And some of them might seem tough - especially if you're used to lying or stealing from other people.

Jesus talks in Luke 14:25-33 about the price of being His disciple and a "God-follower." We suggest you consider those verses carefully.  Are you willing to go "all-in" with Jesus, for the hope of eternal life? Even if it means giving up some things? We think it's worth it.... but that's ultimately up to you.

Two Down

Well, well - only days after we wondered here about possible favoritism in a local poker crackdown, the other shoe (well, OK, that's blackjack) officially has dropped.

The Facebook page for Nilla's Poker Room normally is updated several times a day. It's been idle since Friday night.  A couple of comments left on the page suggested why: police raided that room, as they did Nikki's a few weeks ago.

Nilla's planned to host a "memorial benefit tournament" for a deceased poker player Saturday - with money to help pay for his gravesite. But that apparently never happened; a comment asking about the anticipated turnout Saturday was answered with "0", as in zero.

We called Nilla's twice in the last 36 hours to ask if the online claims are true - but the phone simply rang, with no one answering.  Then came the confirmation on the late-afternoon TV news: a raid Friday night not only closed the room, but led to seven arrests.

So Nilla's is closed - for how long, we don't know. Given what a woman said on the night we went there in January, that only seems fair. And to expand on what we said last week regarding Nikki's....

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.... But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted of the law as lawbreakers. - James 2:1, 9

If police are going to cite one poker location for breaking laws, police should cite them all. Perhaps what happened here is a matter of personnel and timing; we have no idea. But this looks like a case where the proverbial "wheels of justice" moved slowly - but still moved.

For the Lord is righteous; he loves justice.... - Psalm 11:7

We'll comment more about this in upcoming posts - but in the meantime, we invite you to leave a comment with your thoughts about what's happened.

All-Right-y, Then?

The man didn't want to talk about Jesus Christ at all, when we brought Him up at the poker table. But later on, the club's jukebox played a familiar song.

"I like that one," we recall him saying.

"See? You brought up Jesus after all," we pointed out.

The song the man heard was Jesus Is Just Alright, a "classic rock" tune by the Doobie Brothers you may have forgotten. A few "songs of faith" snuck their way onto album rock radio station playlists in the 1960s and 1970s, and that was one of them.

But of course, we'd ask a question. Is Jesus "just alright" with you?  That is, is that all He is? Or is Jesus Christ more than that?

The answer to that may show how deep your relationship with God is. For instance....

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. - Psalm 33:4

That "word" can refer to the Bible. But that Bible goes on to say....

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us... - John 1:1, 14

The "Word made flesh" was Jesus Christ. His first appearance on earth didn't seem to end "alright" at all - as He was put on a stake and killed. But God resurrected Him after three days, and took the next step in a process to make a world filled with wrongs right after all.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. - I Corinthians 1:30

Jesus wants to be more than "right" in your sight. He wants you to make Him your righteousness - and it's better Him than us:

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. - Isaiah  64:6

Go beyond having a "just-alright" passing contact with God and Jesus Christ. Look to heaven for righteousness - and a relationship that can lead all the way to eternal life.

P.S. We did a Bible study on "being right and being righteous" several years ago. Click here to dig deeper into the topic.

The Book on Daniel

How do you know when you've made the poker "big time?" These days, you might not have to win the WSOP Main Event. One modern sign of greatness is having your life story turned into a documentary.

Daniel Negreanu was the subject of a 90-minute film on Canada's TSN a couple of weeks ago, followed by his own Twitter chat. While we haven't seen the movie, KidPoker reportedly is about how Negreanu went from Las Vegas rookie to consistent winner and media star.

In one interview, Negreanu offered some of his advice for poker success:

“It’s trial and error to an extent -- not crying about what happens but getting on with it. So what if I got a pair of aces and lost? It happens. Keep going.”

When some poker players endure a big loss, they go "on tilt."  They bet wildly with an "I don't care" attitude (and sometimes they really don't) - which can be dangerous for everyone else, especially if that approach turns into a comeback.

Yet Negreanu's words speak of a more disciplined approach. We think it's also more Biblically-grounded.

Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling place; for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. - Proverbs 24:15-16

For years we've taken verse 16 as advice for someone who "falls" into sin - and we think the advice is valid. We need to climb out of our sinful hole and return to a righteous walk:

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - I John 1:8-9

Yet after looking at verses 15 and 16 together, we think there's a different point to that part of Proverbs: sinful people shouldn't spend their time trying to ruin the lives of righteous people. If they continue in a righteous walk, God can restore their losses and bless them even more. Consider Job, who was allowed by God to face extreme hardship from the devil:

After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before... The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first. - Job 42:10, 12

Compare verse 12 with Job 1:2, and you'll find his livestock "chip stack" doubled.

So the lesson of Daniel (as in Negreanu) as the same as that of Proverbs and Job. Don't get so down in the dumps from a big loss that you surrender everything that matters. "Keep going," Negreanu says - and we'd add: go in a right godly direction.

Making the Saints

We asked a question in our last post about saints. Who is one? How do you define one? Is it as easy as bringing drinks for a poker home game?

Let's see what a New Testament apostle wrote about this:

To all in Rome who ae loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 1:7

Being a saint is a calling from God.

Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greeting. - Philippians 4:21

Saints are "in Christ Jesus." We're led to think that means they've accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord - and the commitment doesn't stop there:

Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. - Revelation 8:3

Based on verse 2, saints offer prayers toward God in heaven.

...(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) - Revelation 19:8b

Saints also perform acts of righteousness. We think that goes beyond buying two-liter bottles of soda for the poker group. It means living a righteous life, in obedience to God.

Our last post quoted I Corinthians 1:2, about being "called to be holy." Here's how another Bible translation has that verse:

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.... - I Corinthians 1:2 (KJV)

So saints should believe in God and Jesus Christ. They should pray. And they should live holy, righteous lives.

Can you do all that and still play poker? We think so - if what you do at the table reflects a saintly conduct in the rest of your life.
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The Book on You

Top poker players write books all the time, offering everything from introductory instruction to advanced ways of spotting an opponent's bluff.  A search on Amazon.com this morning brought 5,155 titles of poker books.

But in a post this past week, we asked for your thoughts about getting in something called "the book of life."  This is a book we all need to enter, whether we play poker or not.  It first came up in a conversation between Moses and God....

"But now, please forgive their sin -- but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written."  The Lord replied to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book." - Exodus 32:32-33

So there's no confusion: the Bible itself is a "book of life."  It contains the "word of life," about how to gain eternal life (Philippians 2:16).  But the book described in Exodus is different.  Apparently it's a book with lots of names, which God can adjust when He chooses.

You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.... May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous. - Psalm 69:19, 28

So the book of life contains names of righteous people.  But the problem is that we all sin (Romans 3:23) - and when we do that, God can remove our names from it.  And that's potentially bad news....

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

This verse describes a vision of the final judgment, when everyone will come before Jesus.  The lake of fire is called "the second death" in verse 14.  To avoid that, we need our name back in that book -- badly.  How can we get there?

Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel.... whose names are in the book of life. - Philippians 4:3

How did these women get in the book?  Apparently by helping the apostle Paul spread Jesus's gospel message.  We think that requires actually believing that message -- and something else:

He who overcomes.... I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. - Revelation 3:5

Overcome sin, in your own life and this world.  Then help spread the news about Jesus coming to put an "end" to sin (Hebrews 9:26-28).  You'll be well on your way to appearing in the book that matters most.

The Strait Draw

In a post last week, we asked for your thoughts about two familiar Bible verses, quoting Jesus:

Enter you in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)

A "straight" in poker is spelled differently from these verses -- five cards numerically in a row, such as 5-6-7-8-9.  But achieving that straight sometimes requires a "strait" card to fall.

For instance, you may have 8-9 and see 5-6 on the flop.  The missing 7 you're seeking can have many slang names in poker, such as a "gutshot" or a "belly-buster."  But a "strait" shot is fitting, because that spelling of the word can mean "narrow or constricted."  A 6 or an 8 will not do to complete the straight; you must have a 7.

Plenty of players pursue that kind of straight, even though the chances of hitting it even on the river are only 8.7%.  Yet how many take a "strait gate" approach to their living?  Jesus is indicating that pursuit will pay off in eternal life -- and He's indicating the payoff is guaranteed.

So how do you "go strait?"  Our American Heritage Dictionary notes another definition of that word: "Strict, rigid or righteous."  The first two words in quotes go against the thinking and desires of many people.  But thankfully, God provided help with the last one....

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God -- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. - I Corinthians 1:30

See what He did there?  Jesus becomes the righteousness for people who believe in Him.  While some ministers define "righteousness" simply as commandment-keeping (Psalm 119:172), the apostle Paul dares to say Jesus can fill that role as well.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1-2

Read and study the Bible each day to see how God functions and Jesus lived (still living in heaven, in fact).  Following what you read will help you squeeze out the greatest of narrow victories.

When Cultures Collide

Before last week's anti-U.S. protests erupted in the Middle East and Persian Gulf, we had our own meeting with a Muslim - or at least a defender of Islam.  It was online, during a National League of Poker tournament.  We've edited the chat a bit, to highlight our main points...


ETown13:  mean people suck
TheJuice:  mean people rule
TheJuice:  nice guys finish last
Me:  Ultimately, no.
TheJuice:  yes
ETown13:  keep telling yourself that juice
Me:  The righteous will
TheJuice:  every great conquerer was mean
Me:  receive eternal life.
TheJuice:  on earth you idiot
Dealer:  TheJuice wins Main Pot ($745)
Me:  You didn't specify.

The world indeed has plenty of "mean people" -- and some have held positions of power and conquest through the centuries.  But tonight marks the start of a religious season, which celebrates a time when that will change.

For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.... This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. - Romans 2:13, 16

Jesus Christ will judge the world, and all the secrets it contains.  Have you been stealing or cheating at poker tables?  God sees it all, and Revelation 20 indicates Jesus will judge it all.  It all begins with our obedience to God's law now, as we await the next big event:

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. - I Thessalonians 4:16

Some Christians will mark the Feast of Trumpets beginning at sunset, to celebrate the pending return of Jesus.

We tried to explain to TheJuice that the dead won't live again until Jesus returns.  But he challenged us on the common (but not really Biblical) Christian view that believers go to heaven when they die:

Me:  But the righteous

TheJuice:  and no one has proven after life

Me:  will reign on earth.

TheJuice:  prove it

Me:  You won't accept

Me:  the Bible, will you?

TheJuice:  you cant prove it

ETown13:  sorry dude***..u have to believe

TheJuice:  omg the bible is a story kid

Dealer:  ETown13 wins Main Pot ($700)

Me:  A collection of them.

Me:  Like the newspaper is.

TheJuice:  fiction

ETown made a good point -- the Bible ultimately is a matter of believing in faith.

Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"  Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." - John 20:28-29

Instead, TheJuice tried to get us to accept the Muslim holy book as fact:

TheJuice:  why do you not believe the kuran is the truth

Me:  Parts of the Koran

Me:  affirm the Bible.

Me:  Example: 3:67-70

TheJuice:  all of Koran is fact

Strange, isn't it -- a Bible that skeptics claim is nothing but "a story" has sections which the Koran supports, and even recommends!  We admittedly have not read the Koran cover-to-cover.  But we're indebted to a minister which studied that book, compared it with the Bible and drew some eye-opening conclusions. 

Instead of shouting at each other about their faults (or going even farther, into violence), we think Christians and Muslims should read their books carefully and completely.  Then apply the advice of the apostle Peter - especially the last part:

But in your hearts set apart Jesus Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.... - I Peter 3:15

Poker Night 343: The Pace of the Race

This was a day of small triumphs for us.  We recouped some of the losses on our recent trip to north Florida, when a gas station where we stopped called to announce we won a drawing for a gift card.  We also reached a final table in an online tournament with 118 players.  A successful night at The Red Barn would only make things better....

BLINDS: 50/100

IN THE POCKET: Q-9 offsuit

The night hasn't been very successful so far.  A 500-chip investment with 5-5 missed the flop, and then big bets ran us off.  But for the most part, the table has calmed down since then.  We're in the Small Blind and no one raises ahead of us, so we call to give this a try.

ON THE FLOP: Q-6-9

A very good try!  We have the top two pair and leadoff position.  But betting on the flop has been common so far, so we check.  We're a bit disappointed when the entire table checks.

ON THE TURN: 4

We're not waiting this time.  A low card allows us to make a lead bet of 500.  A couple of players with much larger stacks call, as if they're "fishing" for something huge.  The rest of the table folds.

ON THE RIVER: Q

It's a river "boat" (slang for full house)!  So sit in our lead position for a moment - how much would you bet, to maximize our gains?

We decide to set out 1,500.  Nope, that's too much.  Our opponents fold.  We gain about 1,800 chips, but in a way hoped for more.

We needed some more, because that's the only hand we won all night.  We missed a gold mine late in the first hour, when we folded K-10 and the flop was A-J-Q for a top straight.

Then we limped into a hand in the second hour with pocket Queens, then went all-in when all the cards on the flop were below them.  But our friend Harry (who says he left the hospital last Friday) stayed in with a 7.  Another 7 on the river combined with one on the flop to give him a winning three of a kind.  He eliminated two players, and sent us home tied for 19th place.

MINISTRY MOMENT: Our area is seeing a bit of outer impact from Tropical Storm Isaac.  So we took a small flashlight to use as tonight's card protector.

"This shows I'm ready for Isaac," we told the man to our right.  "And it's also a reminder I'm supposed to reflect the light of Christ."

We're not sure that man heard the last part -- which is too bad, because that's the most important part.  Believers are expected to shine....

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." - Acts 13:47

You might think the idea of "letting your light shine" originated with Jesus.  But the verse we cited actually appears first in the Old Testament (Isaiah 49:6), hundreds of years before the Lord walked on Earth.  So how do believers do that?

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth).... - Ephesians 5:8-9

A "goody-goody" walk might seem self-righteous to other people.  But if your walk is humble and you regularly give glory to God for it, your words and actions should reflect the opposite - Christ's light.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 121 final tables in 343 nights (35.3%) - 19 cashes.