Gambling

[WhiteKnuckle]

I like to gamble every now and then. I saw a bunch of people that make their living playing poker. I decided to give it a try. I figured that every other dream or goal i've had has never worked out. I got frustrated watching peoples dreams seem to just fall into their laps.

I got frustrated at watching less qualified and often incompetent people getting the raises at work, and the promotions. I've always had to work hard for everything I get, it doesn't matter how small or how large, cheap or expensive. I've applied myself to the fullest in everything I've ever done.

For some reason things just never seem to work out for me.

I'm a real good Black Jack player, I know all the odds, money management, counting cards etc etc. I'm intelligent and creative. I figured Poker would be a place where the intelligent and dillegent people will succeed. I couldn't have been more wrong in my life! I've played thousands and thousands of hands online the past couple months.. I've lost every penny I put into it. I studied and can tell you pretty much what any player is going to do and with what cards. All the usual stuff.

I've come to realize that Poker much like the world seems to reward horrible plays, bad decisions, and laziness. Here's what else I've learned.

Concerning God and His plan for my life.

I'm blessed to always have a way to provide a good life for my family. I've got a loyal and loving wife and 2 great kids Having a way to provide a good living for your family is sufficient enough. Not everyone of us get's to have dreams or goals come true or get met.

I've also learned that no matter who you are, or what you do, It's not anything you have done personally to gain that. EVERYTHING is by the will of God and the Choice God has made for your life. There is no "Paving your own way" Or "Controling your destiny".

Not one single successfull person got to be successfull by hard work, study, creativity, wit, wisdom, or support.

You can put everything you have into something and get nothing. While another invests the exact same in the exact same thing and is a success. Does that mean that you did it wrong? No. Does that mean that God is punishing you and rewarding the other? NO.

It simply means that God knows what's best and has other plans.

Maybe, I might be able to go on playing Poker and become successfull and do it for a living with more practice or time. But honestly, I hate playing Poker! I'm miserable playing it, I never enjoyed it. I enjoy working in the oilfield getting wet, dirt, greasy, oily. I enjoy aching and being tired at the end of the day. I enjoy my hands being cut and calloused and oil stained. I'm happy and proud doing what I do.

Suppose I became successful playing poker? Would I be happy doing that for a living? Probably not. Am I happy with the usual politics at work? No. But, I'm happy with what I do.

My attituded towards people got worse and my language got worse playing that stupid game.

Priase the Lord he made me wise enough not to go overboard and lose all my money, and didn't allow me to become addicted..

Frustrated because things aren't going quite like you think they should? Frustrated because your efforts fail? Do you feel like a failure despite your every effort? Don't! The Lord knows what's best, and I'm certain if you look deeper you're actually happier doing this or that than you would be if your dreams or goals came true.

No one makes their own way. NO ONE!

That's why the Lord tells us to be content with our wages.

 

[shmity72]

amen brother...i've been struggling with gambling addiction for a good long time. good post.

 

[farouk]

I keep off gambling. Far better not to.

 

[Born_Again]

When I go to casinos I see a lot of disparity. People looking for fulfillment. It's sad. And it's even more disturbing that the establishments prey on this. It's just sickening. I might drop 20 or 40 bucks and see what happens but I also know how the machines work and I see the rituals people do thinking that if they hug the machine or rub it, it will bring them fortune. Have they ever thought that if they give their lives to Christ, He will bring them their own fortune? It may not be by way of a machine spitting out money but He will make them rich where they need to be. Just sad......

 

[FHII]

Most gambling I've done is with my Church brothers playing penny poker.... That is, playing cards with pocket change. It isn't about the money but about the fellowship. I might win or lose 10 dollars. But it's over a 5 hour period and well spent by hanging out with those of like precious faith.

I don't see anything wrong with gambling... Even serious gambling. At least not anything wrong that can't be covered by grace through faith. Well, that's not entirely true... If your giving in the offering is hurt cause you lost it in a poker game, that's bad. And if you are trying to pay the bills OR if you take away from bill paying through gambling, that's bad.

But outside that, I just think its silly. Not judging, just my opinion of it....

 

[pom2014]

Gambling, like any thing, is dependent on what's in your heart. Gambling for entertainment or even as a career, is ok. But to do it in a way that defiles you or others is wrong.

 

[the stranger]

I have been to the casino a few times but never liked what I saw. People dropping money like winter drops snow flakes. Casinos make big money because they are not trying to give it away though state law requires x amount. It is not a normal businness. You do not pay a set price for a set service. They are geared toward you loosing every cent you have. For me, I choose to use Gods money much more wisely.