Let's discuss gambling

As of this writing, the “Powerball” lottery is now over $1 billion! Millions are buying tickets – some are buying multiple tickets to increase their chances of winning. (Never mind that they have a better chance of being hit by lightning or becoming President of the US!) Some have spent thousands of dollars in hopes they will get to hold the winning ticket….I guess none of these people know they’re being scammed, played. I mean, what are the chances that NOBODY has won in all these months? The odds have clearly been raised to an unreasonable and deceptive number; and, as a result, people are being fleeced of their money. 

This is why YHWH tells mankind to NOT become entrapped in the “love of money” (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Gambling is definitely focused on “the love of money” and people’s proclivities to fall for the idea of quick and easy riches. While Scripture does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery, we ARE warned to stay away from the love of money and “get rich quick” schemes (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10).

First Timothy 6:10 tells us: “for the love of money is the root of all these evils. And there are some who, coveting it, have erred from the faith and brought themselves into many sorrows.” Some eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “Let not your mind love money, but let what you have, satisfy you. For Master YHWH Himself has said, I will never leave you nor loosen the hand towards you. And it belongs to us to say confidently, My Master (Y’shua) is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Matthew 6:24 declares, “No man is able to serve two masters, for either he will hate one and he will love the other, or he will honor one and he will treat the other with contempt. You are not able to serve Elohim and money. ”

My husband and I have a former boss who became a millionaire many times over because he started a great company (with money he won in Vegas….). When he retired, he was clearly “set for life.” However, his gambling addiction kept drawing him to Las Vegas and he ultimately lost everything including his wife and family. And shortly thereafter, he died. What a sad commentary on the life of a successful and intelligent businessman who once had everything….He proclaimed to be a Christian, but it’s clear “the enemy” got a hold of him.

This is why we at The Refiner’s Fire keep harping on people to get INTO Scripture and “get themselves right with God." Do NOT conform to this world! (Romans 12:2. And be not conformed to this world; but be you transformed by the renovation of your minds: and discern you what is the good and acceptable and perfect pleasure of Elohim.)