Checking in the Dark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Remember As You Play....

We all stumble in many ways.  If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. - James 3:2

The check may be the least sexy move in poker.  It doesn't make for good television, and doesn't advance the plot of a dramatic Western movie.  Yet many times, it is the safe, proper thing to do -- for instance, if four cards are showing for a flush or straight.  (Especially if you don't have the fifth one.)

Checking is the act of not betting anything, once you're already put chips into a hand.  You're still in, but not committing any more unless you have to.

That sort of carefulness is what keeping our bodies "in check" is about.  It means not saying more than you need to say in a situation, and not doing anything which could put your body and reputation at risk.

It's the approach that's "simple and safe" -- and admittedly, that can be boring and dull in some eyes.  But in poker, it can bring modest success while you wait for big moments to come.  So don't be afraid of it, at the table and in your life.  A little chip growth is still growth.