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.

Kids' Poker?

We'll say right off the bat -- despite the title, this is not about "Kid Poker" Daniel Negreanu. It's about a different player, who thinks poker should be a game for children.

Maria Konnikova is more than a winning poker pro. She has a doctorate in psychology, and she's working on a book about the chances we take. In an interview, she explained poker is a great way to learn how "to make correct decisions" - and she says those decisions are based on calculating risks, instead of being emotional.

Konnikova thinks young people can develop thinking and self-control skills in poker, that can help them make better decisions in life.   But she used a striking phrase to explain what's involved - the "illusion of control." We don't have complete control over a poker hand, because one wrong (or right) card can change everything.

The Bible offers seemingly conflicting views on controlling our lives. Here's one example....

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit is called self-control. But if it comes from God's Holy Spirit, do you really control yourself? Or is Something greater and higher controlling you?

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.... - Romans 8:6

The idea of "mind control" mixed with religion often leads to thoughts of brain-washing and spiritual cults. But as strange as it might sound, it's how a Christian is supposed to live. But not with the mind of a guru....

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.... - Philippians 2:5 (KJV)

How do you do this? It starts with believing Jesus exists - and that takes "child-like faith" (Matthew 18:1-3). But then you need to grow up in that faith.

When I as a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. - I Corinthians 13:11

As another Bible writer put it:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. - II Peter 3:18

Let God control your life, and the "self" control should follow. You might even play better poker as a result.

Never Let 'em See You Sweat

Dealers in poker tournaments sometimes "wash" the cards as they shuffle. They're all scattered face-down across the table, and mixed up with the dealers' hands.

But there are times when we wish someone in a casino would wash the poker chips as well. Maybe even with bleach. We've been able to scrape, well, something off them - likely dirt, or even sweat, that's built up over a lot of play.

We're reminded of that by a question posted at a poker chat room overnight....

Is poker a game as stressful as it seems?.... If the bet is very high, stress increases?.... only with experience decrease?

We think the answer to this depends on the situation and your perspective.

If you're playing simply for free food at a sports bar, that's low-stress. The emphasis is on having fun and camaraderie. If you're at the WSOP Main Event playing for millions of dollars and a world title, the stress level probably would be higher - especially if you want to regain your $10,000 buy-in, which most people do not do.

A big bet or all-in moment certainly makes a hand more exciting. If you've faced these moments before, the experience can make them easier to handle. But we think it also helps to have something with you to stay calm. And no, we don't think that has to be a glass of wine or bottle of beer....

The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. - Psalm 29:11 (KJV)

True peace and calm (the opposite of stress) come from God. How does He provide that?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.... - Galatians 5:22 (KJV)

....as in the Holy Spirit of God. A lot of people talk at this time of year about "peace on earth" (Luke 2:14) - but they may not realize Jesus's birth in part was designed to bring a different sort of peace agent:

And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth.... - John 14:16-17 (KJV)

God's Holy Spirit can lower the stress level in all kinds of situations at a poker tournament. And even in far more dire moments....

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; you rod and your staff they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

If you feel stressed out during or after a poker night, pray to God for His Spirit of peace. But be sure you repent of your sins as you do (Acts 2:38). Then, to borrow a U.S. Southern phrase about hairstyles - the higher the stakes, the closer to God.

The Green Monster

Our last post examined a variation of Pai Gow poker, where you can put chips on a "Fortune" button. If someone at the table makes four of a kind, everyone with chips on that button earns an "envy bonus."

Sounds strange, doesn't it - a bonus for envy?! Many times, it works the other way around. Poker players envy the success of others, try to copy them.... and wind up crashing out of tournaments or going bust at a cash game. Others envy someone else's possessions so much that they steal the items for themselves.

We'll let you do your own color research into why people become "green with envy" (as opposed to red or blue). But it's not the sort of emotion God wants us to have....

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy.... I Corinthians 13:4

Since the Bible tells us that "God is love" (I John 4:16), this shows envy is not one of His traits. In fact....

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery.... factions and envy.... those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5:19-21

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. - James 3:16

If envy is a personal problem for you, we recommend repenting before God - then starting a new habit. Be happy when others are successful:

Honor one another above yourselves.... Rejoice with those who rejoice.... - Romans 12:10, 15

We realize at some poker tables, you might look weird doing this. But it's far better than letting envy eat away at your peace of mind - and maybe even your bank account.

We heard a message the other day that went deep into the topic of envy. It may reveal other areas of your life where you're "going green" in a bad way, and need to make some changes.

Poker Night 546: From Ace-Rags to Riches

"Has John Cynn ever played here?" we asked our first dealer in tonight's tournament at Hollywood Casino Indiana.

"I don't know," he answered. Cynn, a native of Indianapolis, won the World Series of Poker Main Event this week. He was not in Lawrenceburg for our tournament, so our chances for success jumped dramatically....

BLINDS: 100/200

IN THE POCKET: Ace-6 of hearts

We've won one pot with hidden pocket Aces, and split another with a Jack. Now this "turbo tourney" is near the end of its first hour, and we have about 10,800 chips from a starting 12,000.

A man at our table of eight raises to 500. We take the approach that any Ace is a potential top pair, and we call. Five players are in the hunt.

ON THE FLOP: A-4-3 (no hearts, as we recall)

There's the top pair - but are others thinking the way we're thinking? The only way to find out is to bet. After the lead player checks, we offer 500. Three other players call. They can't all have Aces.

ON THE TURN: 4

Now we have two pair - and we really doubt anyone else has a 4. Our bet on the flop would have run off those chasers. So we choose to keep the pressure on, with another bet of 500. That scares away one more players, but two others call again. Is our "rags" kicker good enough for this?

ON THE RIVER: 5

Ugh - that opens the door for trouble. Anyone on a straight draw just made it. The first man in line checks. We pull out chips, as if we're about to bet again - but then think better of it and check. The third player ponders for a few seconds. If he bets, he probably runs us off. But he checks.

"I have an Ace," we say as we show. The other players.... don't even show! They apparently missed their draws or had smaller pairs! We win a big pot of more than 4,000 chips, and reach the first break at a high of 16,125.

The trouble is, we never made it any higher. Good cards such as K-Q didn't convert into pairs for us in the second hour. Then when we saw pocket Jacks, we took on an aggressive woman across the table. She bet 2,200 on a meager-looking flop. We went all-in for 8,400, and she called.... with Q-Q! Her Queens held on to top our Jacks, and we missed the final table. We finished 13th out of 19 players.

MINISTRY MOMENT: A man two seats to our left won the first three hands of the night. That started jokes about whether he could win every hand and score a perfect game. One man suggested a sidebet on it.

"I would bet against me making it," the winner admitted.

"C'mon now," said the man between the winner and us. "You've got to have faith."

That was our opening. "I'd rather have faith in God, than have faith in him winning every hand."

The men smiled at that thought. But it reminded us of a line a well-known radio preacher said years ago: "Everyone has faith.... in something. The question is, what is your faith in?"

If you put all your faith in yourself or in other people, you're likely to be disappointed....

But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Selah. - Psalm 49:12-13

Sad but true - our bodies eventually wear down and die. But God promises to resurrect us, at least to a moment of judgment (Revelation 20:11-12). And if you put your faith in God and Jesus Christ now, that moment will be better than you might think:

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

Faith in God can lead to salvation and eternal life. And did you notice the amazing thing about it? It's not really our faith that does it. It's His faith, which God gives to believers through His Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.... - Galatians 5:22

It starts by asking God for something the first disciples of Jesus requested when He was on Earth: "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5) If you'd like help in doing that, please leave a comment; we'll be happy to help you.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 201 final tables in 546 games (36.8%) - 41 cashes.

An Apology from "Jesus"

The online poker crackdown happened seven years ago. An explanation about it from a poker legend took less than 45 seconds - and may raise more questions than it answers.

Chris "Jesus" Ferguson posted a very short video this week about the "Black Friday" federal intervention. Ferguson reportedly was Chairman of the Board of Full Tilt Poker when it happened. He may have paid millions to the government to settle a civil case while repaying people with frozen bankrolls.

The transcript of Ferguson's video, posted by CardPlayer.com, includes this:

I deeply regret not being able to prevent Black Friday from happening. After Black Friday, I worked relentlessly to ensure that all players got paid back. And, I sincerely apologize that it took as long as it did.

That's not enough for some poker players, including Daniel Negreanu who mockingly called it "so heartfelt." Others are left wondering why Ferguson brought out the apology now - whether it has anything to do with the renewed hopes for state-run poker websites.

We're not going to judge Ferguson's motives. Instead, we're thinking about the real Jesus - the One who was sinless, and never had to apologize to anyone for anything....

So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. - Luke 17:3

There are three parts to Jesus's instruction in this verse. We need to watch ourselves and our conduct, especially as events move toward Jesus's return:

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. - Luke 21:36

Second: rebuke a "brother" who sins. We were challenged by a preacher last weekend to dare to say the word "sin" again, as many think it's improper now. But we should start with close friends (in church or outside) who may be wandering from a godly way:

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. - Galatians 6:1

Third: forgive the brother who repents - even if you have to do it over and over:

If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, "I repent," forgive him. - Luke 17:4

We'd note Ferguson did not use the word "repent" - a word that implies admitting doing something wrong, and turning in the opposite direction from it. Time will tell if he actually does that; he'd probably have to return to poker site management to have that opportunity.

Follow the poker "Jesus," and you may run into some regrets. Follow the Jesus of the Bible, and you never will.

The Hands of God: How Full Is Your House?

"A flush beats a full house!" said a truck near us the other day.

But then again, it was a truck for a plumber.

Poker players know better, of course. Full houses always top flushes and straights. But have you ever stopped to consider why?

A website we've grown to like gives the answer. In classic Five-Card Stud, you're mathematically more likely to develop a full house than a flush or straight. That's how the odds work.

But do you have a "full house" in the game of life, away from poker tables? You can look at that in a couple of ways....

How joyful are those who fear the Lord - all who follow his ways!.... Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. - Psalm 128:1, 3 (NLT)

Some people have taken this psalm (perhaps along with Psalm 127) as a promise from God's Word. But sadly, we wonder if some women have been heartbroken by it - women who have unable to conceive, despite their best efforts.

We write this from the perspective of lifelong singleness. We've thought "Ms. Right" crossed our path several times, but things simply did not work out. Yet we think believers in God can be "fruitful" in other ways....

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! - Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

When the Holy Spirit enters a believer, life can become more "full" overall. The spiritual fruit can be shared with other people in many ways.

Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.... - Matthew 25:34-35 (NLT)

Care obviously must be used in letting strangers (such as people you meet on poker nights) into your home. But we've dared to do it a few times over the years with people asking for help on street corners. They may not grasp what we're doing or why, but hopefully they see a spirit-guided example in the process.

Let's open this up for your comments. What have you done to create a "full house" - in the place where you live, and the life that you live?

Remember As You Play....

Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich. - Proverbs 21:17  (NLT)

A minister on radio recently told the story of a man who lost a lot of money from gambling. Not merely millions - but TENS of millions of dollars.

The speaker concluded from this that gambling is a vice and a sin. But hold on - what about the professional poker players who make money?

Our verse warns against three things. But are those things necessarily wrong - or is the LOVE of them wrong? For instance....

You should know, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.... They will be betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. - II Timothy 3:1, 4  (NLT)

The Bible says God is love (I John 4:8) - and He wants us to love Him in return. But He wants us to make God our first love. Not poker games, or other forms of gambling where you might find "pleasure" for a short time. True love for God can lead Him to give you His Holy Spirit....

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience.... - Galatians 5:22  (NLT)

Joy should result from having the Holy Spirit in you. So how do you obtain it?

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. - Acts  3:19 (NLT)

That can include the sin of putting other "loves" ahead of love for God. You could save millions of dollars in losses - and gain eternal life in the process.

Freedom from Want?

"Still in shock," Scott Blumstein wrote on his Twitter feed after winning the World Series of Poker Main Event. But he's apparently back on the circuit now - playing in a World Poker Tour event in Oklahoma this week.

Immediately after winning the Main Event, Blumstein said something interesting about the $8 million prize. "It's nice to have some freedom now. That was the goal, to get to the point where I can do what I want."

If that's your goal in playing poker, we suggest being very careful. A little "freedom" can be a dangerous thing. Consider....

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. - Galatians 5:13

Does money really give people freedom? In some ways, yes - but not completely. For instance, we presume Blumstein still has to pay federal and state income taxes on his winnings. That could take a million or two.

But the apostle Paul's warning is about using "freedom" - whether it's money, time or something else - to engage in sin. The Bible indicates at the end of our lives, we'll discover freedom truly has a limit:

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

A judgment day is coming, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate judge (verse 27). Those who "have done good", as in serving others in a loving way, will "live" with God and Jesus eternally. Those who went the other way will be condemned to a lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

So ultimately, any freedom we obtain from playing poker is not about doing "what I want." It's about doing what God wants. Have you read the Bible carefully to see what that is? We encourage doing that. Here's a verse to help you get started:

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8

Ponder in prayer what that might mean for your life. If you're still free to play poker, do it with God in mind.

Poker Day 496: J-Hawks

"My last two times here, I had a sixth and a ninth," the man next to us said Friday before the tournament began at Kansas Star Casino.

"I consider myself warned," we said in response. For either of us to make the final table, we'd have to work through dozens of opponents - and face challenging hands like this one:

BLINDS: 50/100

IN THE POCKET: J-J

We've lost a pot or two, and start this hand with about 3,100 chips from a starting 3,500. We're also in the Big Blind - so when a player doubles to 200 ahead of us, we can call and try to hide. About four players get in.

ON THE FLOP: 2-4-6

Pickup sticks?! This is a second-grade flop in more ways than one. Sitting early in the betting order, we check to the raiser. So he makes a continuation bet of 400. A man across from us calls. We're not sure what they have, but we think they're fishing. We call with our overpair. Three players remain.

ON THE TURN: 8

The even-number trend continues. We check again. Now the raiser at the far end of the table does as well. But the man across from us senses an opportunity. He bets 700 - and now we're wondering. Did he get in with something weird like 5-7 suited, and hit a straight?

After thinking for a moment, something tells us to be daring. We call. And to our surprise, the man at the far end folds.

ON THE RIVER: 8

The board pairs, but we still don't feel too comfortable about this. We check. If our opponent bets 700 again, we probably bail out. But maybe he's unsure as well; thankfully, he checks.

"A pair of Jacks?!?" we say with uncertainty as we show our cards. We're delighted to see that's good enough! Our opponent had 4-5! A superior two pair wins us a huge pot.

Our stack reached a high of 5,400 in the first hour, but then started fading. We had 3,150 at the first break. But then in the second period after changing tables, we went all-in with A-Q and the board showing A-J-10-10. Trouble was, three of those cards were spades - and another player had two more to make a flush. No final table on this day, as we wound up 47th out of 81 players.

MINISTRY MOMENT: This was one of our best days in a long time for talking about maters of faith. It started when the successful player to our left saw our card protector - a small electric plug.

"I brought this to remind me that I receive power from Gods Holy Spirit," we explained. Then we asked the man what he thought of the Spirit.

"Real good," he said. "Part of the trinity."

"What's the Holy Spirit done for you lately?" we probed.

"I don't know," he admitted.

We think there are ways to know what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life. For instance....

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

These traits should be evidence of God's Spirit at work. Verses 19-21 list signs of the exact opposite - "the sinful nature" at work. Also....

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.... - Isaiah 11:2

It's a good idea to pray each day for God to renew His Spirit in you. We specifically ask for His wisdom to guide our decisions, whether they come at the poker table or the workplace. ("Wisdom" to us means applying knowledge at the right time and place.)

Can you think of other signs of the Holy Spirit? Offer comments with your suggestions; we'll get back to this table and the Spirit in our next scheduled post.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 182 final tables in 496 games (36.7%) - 36 cashes.

Poker Day 495: Straight? No? Chaser?

Maybe the bank ATM downtown was trying to tell us something. We tried to withdraw money from our account to enter Friday's tournament at Kansas Star Casino - but the machine froze and wouldn't process our request. So we hurriedly drove to Mulvane, paid extra to use a casino ATM.... and then:

BLINDS: 25/25

IN THE POCKET: A-K offsuit

A couple of early nibbles have missed flops, so we start this hand with about 3,400 chips. Sitting in leadoff position, we limp in. No one raises, and about five players go to battle.

ON THE FLOP: 5h-Ks-2s

Top pair + top kicker = action from us. After the blinds check, we bet 100.  As best we recall, a couple of players call.

ON THE TURN: 8h

Looks to us like all is still well. So we bet 150 - only to find a player to our left raising to 300. Did he stumble upon two pair? We still feel confident, so we call to go heads-up to the river.

ON THE RIVER: 5s

The board pairs, giving us two pair and top kicker. But three spades are showing (we don't have any). Yet our opponent raised on the turn with no possible flush, so we think he's simply testing us.

We try to show we mean business by beating 225, but he responds with a raise to 600. We remain skeptical, especially of the flush threat, and conclude he also has a King.

"As they say in Colorado," we tell the dealer next to us, "I'm pot-committed." Our new poker joke of the day gets a slight smile. But we mean what we say, and call. Then our opponent flips over.... 8-J of spades! We were right about our read on the turn, but he did hit the flush to give us a big loss.

Perhaps a bigger bet on the turn would have run everyone away. But early in a tournament with cheap blinds, some players will go on long chases. In this case, it worked and he won.

It was far from a winning day for us, as we never won a pot. We finally pushed with A-K again, and received a call from a man with A-J. But the flop brought a Jack and the turn an Ace, to eliminate us in 44th place on a 65-player day.

MINISTRY MOMENT: "I'm patiently waiting to play a hand," a man sitting to our right said at one point. He was a replacement player, who perhaps took a re-buy after losing his chips.

"Patience is a virtue," we told the man quietly.

"Impatience is a...." we didn't quite pick up how he ended that reply. Did he say a "vice"? That's what some would call the opposite of a virtue.

Our old saying has a Biblical basis for it:

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience... And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. - Colossians 3:12, 14

This list of virtues appears to be a rerun of something the apostle Paul wrote to another group - only with a different heading:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

"Patience is a fruit," we added in our short discussion with the man. In Galatians, the source of that fruit is noted as the Holy Spirit of God.

Ironically, seconds later we saw Q-Q and went all-in for our last 1,125 chips - a push that failed. Perhaps that was our moment of impatience. But a man had raised ahead of us, and we were down to about five big blinds.

Poker experts on TV say it's good to push when you're at ten big blinds or less. We went by "the book," and it didn't work for us. But as we said elsewhere in the casino, a different book is more reliable - the "good book" known as the Bible, where the Holy Spirit and other things are revealed.

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 182 final tables in 495 games (36.8%) - 36 cashes. We will need to make three final tables in the next five outings to get the percentage up to 37 percent at 500 games.

Call Me Irresponsible?

Poker rooms usually are surrounded by noisy distractions. If they're inside casinos, slot machines are all around them. But quietly tucked away at the entryway could be a pamphlet which makes players stop and think.

We picked up a "Know Your Limits" pamphlet on our last tournament day. A "Responsible Gambling Alliance" publishes it, as well as other literature. It includes three warning signs that you could be at risk of a possible "gambling problem"....

1. Have you ever tried to stop, cut down or control your gambling?

As much as we oppose gambling addiction, this strikes us as an unfair question. Aren't people who never darken the doors of a poker room or casino trying to "control" their gambling, by not doing it at all? In fact....

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

The apostle Paul wrote a good bit about "self-control". Yet there's a catch - he also called it s "fruit of the Spirit." In other words, it comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. So self-control isn't ultimately self-based at all.

The King James Version may word it better: "temperance." Some Bible commentaries explain that word as meaning "the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites."

People with eating disorders don't "master the desire" by not eating. In fact, that's a disorder in itself. It's all about doing things in a balanced way:

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

The Greek word for "moderation" can also mean being patient or gentle. Those also are fruits of the Holy Spirit, as listed above.

To be clear: we're against poker players becoming addictive or "problem gamblers." But we also do not think trying to "control" the interest is a sign of a disorder. It could be a sign of the Holy Spirit at work in a believer's life. We'll address the pamphlet's other "warning signs" in upcoming posts.

Break It to Me Gently

"Be gentle, now!" the man across the table from us said as the hand began.

That man was displaying some personality, so we decided to play along with his advice. We looked at our cards, and quietly called 200. When his turn came, he raised to 600. The trouble for him was that our cards were quite good.

"I'm going to try to push as gently as I can," we told him when our turn came again. One by one, we delicately put the chips across the line - 1,400 in all. Then we whispered, "I'm all in."

The opponent didn't show much appreciation for our gesture. He called, anyway.

"How gently can I turn over rockets?!" we then asked. Yup - we had pocket Aces. He didn't.

We won the hand, for a big double-up. But at least we tried to oblige our opponent - and in the process display one of the fruit of God's spirit:

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

You've probably never thought of poker as a gentle game. You might not even consider it a gentle-man's game - since it's been played by tough-talking cowboys in the Old West and Mafia leaders in big cities. But we think there are many ways to play poker. In fact, taking a gentle approach can throw opponents off-guard.

By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you... - II Corinthians 10:1

Some people expected the Messiah to come as a lion, taking vengeance on enemies of the Hebrews. Yet a speaker on Christian radio reminded us the other day that Jesus came as a lamb - and that approach made Him quite a game-changer. So in light of that....

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. - Philippians 4:5

How near? So near that he lives within believers, through the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:27) - and that Spirit is how the fruit of gentleness is developed. So the next time a poker player asks you to "be gentle, now".... how will you react?
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Poker Night 481: Unsynchronized Betting

"I'm going on only three hours' sleep," we said to the man at our left tonight. "So if I fall asleep during a hand, give me a nudge."

The man could relate - telling of sleeping four hours or so, then driving for eight. Truly for some of us, it was survival of the fittest at Yvie's Bar and Grill. A one-time change in the work schedule had us working a lot for two days, then having a Monday night off for the first time in weeks. Would that mean success - or tiredness?

BLINDS: 200/400

IN THE POCKET: 9-10 of spades

Not many good cards have come so far, and our stack has dipped as a result. Feeler bets have failed, and we have about 7,000 of a starting 10,000. But by and large, our table of seven is playing tight. So with suited connections, we feel our way out again - and are happy when no one calls. About five players are in.

ON THE FLOP: 10h-10c-Qc (suit of first 10 not precise)

Three (of a kind) to get ready! But we're not quite set to go for the jackpot yet. We're late in the betting order - so when the play checks to us, we check along. We'd like someone else to stab at the pot first.

ON THE TURN: 2c

Uh-oh. The appearance of a third club means the waiting game is over, since a couple of flushes already have been made. A man across from us offers 600. Then we do something that puzzles some people at the table.

"Raise - 1,600," we say.

"That's unusual," an older woman two seats to our left responds. In a way, that's good. You might call this a separation raise - separating the chasers from the real contenders. (That woman already had folded.) Other players fold, but the original bettor calls. Part of us wonders if he already has it.

ON THE RIVER: 2d

If he did, it's worthless now! Two pair on the board means we have a full house. The man who bet before now checks, and it's time to go for it. We're down to a single yellow chip, worth 5,000.

"Two-thousand," we say as we plunk it down. A nice-sized bet - but too much for our opponent. He folds, and we win a big pot to return to about our starting level.

"You had an Ace, didn't you?" that older woman asks us a moment later.

"Well..... I had something," we answer playing dodgeball.

"I'll bet you had an Ace," she says. Always keep 'em guessing....

Our stack went up and down much of the evening - winning at one point with a well-timed bluff bet that chased away the table, losing at another point when our top two pair fell to the same "triple deuce" hand we saw last time out in North Kansas City.

At the first break, we had 7,000 chips with 12 players left from a starting 18. But with 11 to go, rising blinds forced us to push with K-J. The board brought three Queens. But a man to our left had an Ace, while the man we took on earlier had a 4 which happened to make a full house. We bowed out in 11th place.

MINISTRY MOMENT: "He was off by about half-an-inch," one man at our table said as he watched the poker room TV. No, card games were not on tonight. People were watching Olympic synchronized diving from Brazil.

Our seat was turned away from the screen, so we settled for the analysis of other players. But as the diving unfolded, we said to a man at our left, "Can two walk together except they be agreed?"

It's a famous quote fitting for the TV competition. In fact, it might sound Biblical to you - and for a change, this one actually is:

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? - Amos 3:3 (KJV)

Those eight simple words can pack a lot of punch. We offended a co-worker at a job years ago when we said them as a question. That woman was going through a divorce. Even though we never mentioned the source of the quote, she apparently knew the source - and she declared us judgmental.

But a TV viewer at our table tonight noted how some synchronized divers actually walked alike, along the edge of the diving pool. To win an Olympic medal, they must act (and probably think) exactly the same way. So how often do you do that?

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you.... - John 17:20-21  (KJV)

Jesus Christ succeeded in living a perfect sinless life because he was "one" with the Father. In fact, the Father was in Jesus and vice versa - something we think the Holy Spirit made possible. And the God-Family wants that in us as well....

I in them, and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. - John 17:23

Christian groups might disagree on all sorts of things - from what foods to eat to what Bible translation to read. But they should be united in their belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

In all our years of poker, we can't recall anyone saying the word ":synchronicity" before tonight (not even the old rock song with that title). But a man said it while watching Olympic diving. So we ask it of you. Are you in synchronicity with God and Jesus? If not, maybe it's time to get in line:

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:25

UPDATED POKER SCOREBOARD: 178 final tables in 481 games (37.0%) - 34 cashes.

Free to Be

Happy Independence Day, to readers in the U.S. The country marks 240 years of independence from Britain. But how "independent" should we be.... really?

We mentioned in a recent post about how we probably stunned a casino dealer with comments about keeping a seventh-day Sabbath. He may well have wondered why someone inside a casino would care (much less talk) about doing anything religious.

For us, it comes down to a series of key Bible verses....

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.... - Galatians 5:1

Does that verse surprise you? It could, if you think of God as simply a tough disciplinarian. Yet the apostle Paul goes on to write some words even more stunning:

You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. - Galatians 5:4

Some have "fallen from grace" not into sinful living, but into the exact opposite - trying to earn their way into God's Kingdom by keeping laws as perfectly as possible. It's nice to keep those laws if you can. But keep in mind:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9

If you know the right people at a poker room, they might give you a discount on buying in to a tournament or cash game. They've shown grace toward you. And the only way humans can achieve salvation and a life beyond this one is through the grace of God. So....

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. - Galatians 5:13

Some might say we're "indulging" that nature by playing poker. We've posted thoughts about that elsewhere on this blog. But we try to be careful enough with our play not to bring it up to people who might consider it a stumbling-block to their faith. That's how we try to show love for them.

So celebrate freedom today - but with care. If you're entering a big holiday poker tournament, don't go overboard in a sinful direction to do it. Keep in mind the often-overlooked words of a patriotic U.S. song: "Thy liberty in law."

Watching Out for You

Set up a game - whether it be poker, football or something else - and someone inevitably will try to cheat at that game to gain an advantage.

The latest case of poker cheating comes from an online security website.  "Odlanor" malware can take a look at your cards at a website such as PokerStars, and instantly let your opponents know what you have.  It can enter your computer through poker helps, such as calculators or player databases.

For those of us who play online primarily, this is irritating but no big deal.  But for those who play online for money, it's a very big deal -- as cheaters could take advantage and rob players of winnings.

You probably can delete the malware programs to solve the problem. But that doesn't solve the core issue: Why do some people cheat at poker? Why do they feel compelled to break the rules, be unethical and attempt to sneak their way to victory?

As odd as it may sound, we think the problem is spiritual. At the root of a malware infection is a sin infection....

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. - Romans 7:18

The man writing these words was the apostle Paul. Yes, one of Jesus's apostles admitted he had a sinful nature.  If he does, we suspect deep-down all of us do.

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. - Romans 7:19-20

The wording here can seem confusing.  But Paul is saying a sinful nature inside him can lead him to do bad things -- such as cheating.

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! - Romans 7:24-25

Jesus came in part to provide people a new nature - a nature that is holy, godly and righteous.  In other words, one that doesn't want to cheat.

To them God has chosen to make know among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. - Galatians 1:27

Once Jesus enters a person through the Holy Spirit, everything should start changing. But we need to focus on living a godly way, not the cheating way.  Look for ways to win that are clean and above reproach - not ways that can get you tracked down like a cyber-criminal and put in jail.

All-American Game?

We glanced at the World Series of Poker Main Event leaderboard moments ago, and marveled at what we saw. With 183 players remaining, the top eight chip leaders are all U.S. residents - with a Canadian in ninth. None of them are exactly poker "household names," but they're leading.

This is unusual, because Main Event final tables have featured players from a lot of different countries in Europe and Latin America.  But then again, they're playing Texas Hold 'em, aren't they? After some people competed in Pot Limit Omaha - which we don't think refers to the beach stormed on D-Day?

If you want to root for an all-U.S. final table, that's your choice. But we'd like to note poker has become an international game. And if U.S. residents aren't careful, they can start thinking everything revolves around their country - even God.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:28

Long before there was an America or a Great Britain, the message of the gospel began with a Jew in the Middle East.

Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." - Revelation 5:5

The rest of this chapter shows it's referring to Jesus Christ. Some religious groups claim He went to the Americas after He was resurrected. We don't see proof of that in the Bible, but certainly Christ's gospel spread far and wide. Jesus Himself said it would:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. - Matthew 24:14

Just as U.S. poker players ask for trouble by thinking they're better than players in any other country, so U.S. Christians ask for trouble by thinking they're "exceptional" in the sight of God.  That's because God is working with believers and hearts everywhere. He truly is a God of every nation.

Tip For the Waiter

The hands kept coming, but the good cards for us did not.  When you see 8-5 or 6-3 offsuit with mounting blinds, that's not much inspiration for getting in a hand.

So when we pushed in last Sunday's tournament with J-J in the pocket, our dealer noticed.  "You've shown a lot of patience," he told us.

"We'll see if patience is a virtue," we answered.

It turned out the answer was no (see the post below).  But we still think patient play is a good approach to take in poker.  You're more likely to stick around in tournaments, leading to a better position in the standings. And we think you better show a godly example.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience.... - Galatians 5:22

The phrase "patience is a virtue" sounds like it ought to be in the Bible.  It's not.  But it's one of the "fruit" that should be reflected by people with God's Holy Spirit.  In fact, Jesus's disciples had to show patience before the Holy Spirit came.

He said to them... "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you...." After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. - Acts 1:7-9

Some calendars mark today as "Ascension Day."  It's the day when Jesus ascended to heaven, 40 days after He was resurrected (verse 3).  The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus's apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) - 50 days after the resurrection (Leviticus 23:15-16).

What did believers do during those ten days? Acts 1 indicates they became organized, choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot. And....

They all joined together constantly in prayer.... - Acts 1:14

We suspect they were praying in anticipation of the Holy Spirit's coming.  And that sets a good example for us.  While we're waiting patiently for God to provide something, we should pray constantly about it.

Will God always provide pocket Jacks at the key moment, after hours of clunker cards?  Maybe. Maybe not.  But waiting patiently for as long as you're able allows more time (and hands) for God to work.  You might even impress someone at the table as you do.

Payoff Guaranteed

Poker tables and dice tables are two very different things.  Yet the other night we heard a statement which could apply to both of them.

The speaker warned when it comes to evildoers, God has "loaded the dice" against them.  This practically matched the classic title of a church sermon on The Andy Griffith Show - a title which won the preacher praise from Barney Fife for being clever.

Yet we heard that warning from a real-life church pastor (now deceased) - and he has a valid point.  The Bible had a warning along those lines, long before those men came along....

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. - Psalm 34:14

Some people go to poker nights to have fun.  We'd like to think most of them do.  But sadly, a few may show up seeking trouble. If that describes you, God has this warning:

..The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. - Psalm 34:16

The word evil can refer to many things.  Look at what this psalm emphasizes:

..Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. - Psalm 34:13

Evil things can be done with words, every bit as much as actions.  Yet make no mistake....

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. - Galatians 6:7-8

The Bible warns our actions will have a payoff - whether we're at the poker table or outside.  Wise actions will be rewarded; it could happen in this life, but most assuredly in the life to come.  Evildoing will be punished as well, with destruction authorized by God.


The game of life ultimately is that simple.  How will you choose to act in it?

By Any Means Necessary?

One of professional poker's biggest stars is defending his actions in a British courtroom right now.  Phil Ivey is being denied more than 12 million U.S. dollars by a casino, which claims he played a form of baccarat unfairly.

Ivey, as you might guess, denies he is a cheater.  Instead, he is an "advantage player" -- looking for anything that might give him an advantage over the house.  To quote a statement he made in court: "As a professional gambler, my job is to seek to lawfully reverse or reduce the perceived house edge...."

Isn't playing poker a bit like that -- especially when you're in a bad situation?  You might miss a straight or flush draw.  But you can still win a hand through "lawfully reversing" the situation -- perhaps with a big bluff bet, after everyone else checks.

We also think life is a good bit like that.  Whether you realize it or not, the "house" of this world tries to get an edge on all of us.

In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God., should shine unto them. - II Corinthians 4:4 (KJV)

Who is "the god of this world"?  This verse indicates it is not God the Father or Jesus Christ.  It must be someone or something else.  Note what Jesus said it is:

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

Those are tough words -- but they're the words of our Lord.  He came to "lawfully reverse" that edge, by keeping the Law of God perfectly and giving His life for our sins.

.Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.... He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. - Galatians 3:13-14

To borrow from a radio sermon we once heard, God turned the tables.  You get an advantage over Satan by claiming Jesus as your Savior -- especially at the ultimate showdown, which we call death:

"Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?'.... But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - I Corinthians 15:55, 57

Try as you might, you can't defeat Satan and the devil's tactics on your own.  You need Jesus to claim the greatest win of all -- eternal life.  Will you put your faith in Him, to get the win?