Doug's intro

[Douglas Wayne Thomas]

Hello everyone let me start off by saying that Ray's teachings have given me a great amount of education, joy, and peace of mind.

I am a 46 year old white male who lives in Kissimmee Florida. I am currently single and have one 26 year old son who is in the Navy.

I am working on my PhD. in Criminology and should be finished within 2 years from now. I was teaching at the college level until budget cutbacks kicked in and I was laid off. While I was teaching I went scuba diving in Belize and stepped on a sea urchin. Subsequently this injury almost cost me my lower right leg. After I was injured and laid off I got disability for a short time until that ran out also. This is where the story gets interesting.

I had a dream to play 4 numbers from our play 4 lottery game in Florida. The next day I had won $5,000 dollars. The day after that an old friend called me up, out of the blue, and wanted to know if I wanted to play some poker at the Casino in Tampa. Tampa is 68.5 miles away from my house. I happen to know this because for the last year I have become a Professional Poker Player.

The money is very good and since I can not work a regular job anymore it has been my only source of income. In my defense; I do not drink or smoke or have any other vices besides playing cards. Also I hate to gamble, playing Poker for me is more about strategy and Psychology.

I am not seeking approval or condemnation, however I have read my bible several times and know that playing cards is not probably the best way to spend my time. I also know the Roman soldiers were casting lots (similar to dice) for Jesus' robe. And yes; the love of money, or the lust for money, is the root of all evil. I would just like some people's take on my dilemma. Preferably with Biblical quotes that could enlighten me.

I have just started to read these pages and can tell that there is a great deal of wisdom in this online comunity.

[carol v]

Welcome Doug -- I am sure you will get lots of opinions. I am a stock trader and frequently a day trader and have had some of the same questions as you. This is all I know how to do. I have migraines and am a single mom of teenagers -- I need flexibility.

Matthew was a tax collector.

I don't trade to get rich. I trade for income. I live a pretty simple life. I spend money on raising kids and bills. I don't worship money.

But I certainly have fears about having no money -- so I have lots of flesh still to burn. I don't want to build myself up as being completely comfortable with what I do. I try to find balance but trading can be a huge undertaking. I've been taking some time to slow down recently but when I'm in full force, it's a 10-hour day. And I need to get back to full force soon now that school has started.

I think it's not necessarily what we do but how we do it that matters. I was a trader before I found God and His truths. I might feel better about things if I had been a nurse but I wasn't. I might feel better if I could work with my hands but I can't.

The only other thing I can do well is advertising and graphics but unfortunately they are centered around the big holidays -- Christmas, Easter, etc. Last time I considered taking an advertising position I knew I could not do it unless I sold/designed for Christmas.

It is important to live the commandments of God in all professions for sure. I belong to a trading chatroom that I mostly just monitor for market info but occasionally I will make comments or participate. I have had a feeling that some have put me on ignore and I'm not even being "heard" because you can click on the profile of anyone in the chat -- my profile has a short paragraph on the salvation of all and the love of God -- hence I'm on ignore for many. Being hated for His namesake is a part of it no matter what we do.

Anyway, you are bound to get many opinions.

I would have a tough time with the poker for a living too but I'm not going to judge your situation. I love Texas Holdem -- not to play myself but I have enjoyed watching on TV. Some more fundamentalist types teach that playing cards are pagan and related to tarot. I don't know. I love playing bridge on computer to relax and use my brain. I grew up playing cards and really enjoy it.

As far as casting lots for Christ's robes -- we are all guilty of that. We have all sold Christ for 30 pieces of silver. We are to live "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." We are all guilty of all. I have denied Christ at the cross like Peter. Sold Him down the river like Judas. Slayed other believers like Paul. Now Christ is working in me directly and I hope and pray I am becoming more like Peter and Paul after their transformations.

Any tool created by God can be used for good or evil -- knives, guns, lots, cards, trading, and even missionary work.

But welcome to the forum...this is liable to be an interesting thread you've started

carol

[gmik]

Welcome Doug and I do mean WELCOME.  Both of you thanks for your stories.  How varied and interesting God's people are!!  Bloom where you are planted!!

I hope our forum is mature enough to welcome anyone regardless of whatever and whoever--if you love God//Jesus and love Ray's teachings then welcome aboard!!

We are to judge not lest we be judged.  Besides we are all where God has placed us!!

[Beloved]

Welcome Doug If you are playing against the house, statistically speaking you are on the losing side, however I agree it is all about strategy and understanding statistics and tactics. 

I think if you were cheating then it would definitely would be an issue. Some forms gambling (roulette) is worse than others because "luck" is even more in favor for the house and the statistical odds of winning get higher. Counting in 21 can help but they will eventually kick you if they see you doing it. They will kick you if they see you are consistently winning eventually and then tell the other casinos.

Yes Matthew was a tax collector but he left it for something better, God has taken you down this path and He knows why and what for. perhaps it will be useful for use in dealing with crime.

I am glad you have found the forum and will be able to learn and see more. Realling "Resting in God" this is depending on Him ONLY can be very hard to learn for most of us.  Resting with Him during good times is easy, resting during hard times is what trips most of us up.

No one here should judge you, but we are all learning to judge ourselves daily and we are being rewarded and chastised regularly.
.
Beloved

[Stevernator]

Welcome Doug. There are lots of great papers on the main bibletruths.com site and transcripts in the introduction/more of rays teachings area. There are many helpful people here so enjoy!

[Kat]

Hi Doug,

I'm glad you have joined us 

It seems God chooses people from all walks of life, I think He wants people from all manner of experiences to serve Him.  I believe if you devote yourself to study of these truths that have been revealed to you and pray for His guidance, then you will surely get it.  God brought you through the things you have experienced and He will develope in you what He desires of you.  I would say that if you devote more time to God than card playing you are on the right track.

Here are a few links to things you have here that you may be interested in.

The forum rules, it will help you see how this forum is moderated.
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,3.0.html
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,4558.0.html
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,3614.0.html

Forum Indexes & lots of Info.
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,14.0.html

Ray's Audios 
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,2641.0.html

Transcripts of Ray's Audios
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,12.0.html

child boards for;
Inspirationals, Writings, Poems, Etc.
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,15.0.html

Who Am I? (members pics and personal stuff)
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,16.0.html

mercy, peace and love
Kat

[Douglas Wayne Thomas]

Thank you to everyone for the replies. Just to clarify; the reason I play at the casino is because it is the only "legal" place to play in Florida. There are 1,000's of games being played at people's houses across Florida and most people play for real money. That is illegal in Florida. Also; I try not to beat down any one player for all of his/her money. Sometimes this has cost me money, however I have never had anyone get mad at me for winning.

I am so thankful that this forum exists and for Bible-truths.com, is there any chance some of the upcoming conference might be videotaped and put on this forum? Similar to you tube?

[Dave in Tenn]

Hi Doug.  I think that's the plan, to video and audio tape the conference. 

I've only been an occasional gambler, and I have to say even against 'the house' I've come out ahead because I've been willing to stop when I was ahead, and not determined to 'spend' everything on the thrill and 'entertainment value'.  Willing?  Yes...but not determined.

The Kingdom of God is the Kingship of God.  It's in us, and in you.  You've searched the scriptures for references more specific to your vocation and have asked the more scholarly here to provide you with more.  Maybe they can.  I'm no scholar and can't.  All I can say is that Jesus is your Lord, and the more you delve into the deeper things of Scripture and submit yourself to them and to His Spirit working in you the more you will understand what you are questioning.  All any of us can do is walk in the light we have and pray for more.

Anyways, welcome aboard.  Looking forward to fellowship with you.

       

[Linny]

Hi Doug! Welcome to BT. Everyone is welcome here as we are all growing and learning and changing.

I figure if you are doing something that God doesn't want you to do, He will tell you so in due time.
He is good about that.

God pulled you out of Babylon so He can pull you out of this if that is His will. I actually get nearly physically ill when I am about to do something He doesn't want me to do. 
Whatever gives you the most peace in your Spirit is the road to take...

Look forward to getting to know you better. I enjoy meeting interesting people who's lives are so different from my own!

Blessings,
Lin

[OBrenda]

Welcome Doug,

I have no person knowledge or opinion on the card playing.  I usually resist being legalistic about such things, with full knowledge that to some it may be sin.  A good sign is when ever we are "Compulsive & Destructive" in a thing.  If it is something we can't stop doing, especially despite bad consequences, that's a good sign for you it is Sin.

If for you it's more like a Job, and it doesn't lead you into a position of sinning to gain, I would keep it before God.
Lying, Stealing and Cheating can happen in any job. 

I'm also a Floridian!

Brenda

[iris]

Hi Doug,

Welcome to the forum!


Iris

[WhoAmI]

Hey Douglas,

  Welcome and I'm glad to see another person from Florida on here.

Jeff

[EKnight]

Hi Doug and welcome.  I hate to admit this but online poker was my son's "summer job" and he did well enough to get him through the summer months.  I worried about his "preoccupation" with poker but it doesn't look as though that is a problem for you. 

Personally, I gamble and I know that I have a problem with it when I do.  I always want to get my money back.  So I don't gamble much anymore (I let my husband, he is in better control).

Only you (and God) know what it's like for you. Like it was already stated, you'll know if it's right or wrong.

As for BT, it's gotten me through many a bad day and I find when I stray from here I always run into trouble and come running back to the comforting words of the good people here. So stick around!

Eileen

[Heidi]

Welcome Doug!  I pretty much agree with what everyone has posted so far...so that is a ditto from me. 

Heidi

[hillsbororiver]

Hi Doug,

Welcome to the Forum!

Joe

[Richard D]

Hello Doug and God bless you brother. I'm less than a week old here making me also a new guy if you will,  but what a joy it is belonging to this Christian site. I just wanted to greet you and say hello and welcome friend.

[tinknocker]

Hi Doug,

Thanks for the introduction and welcome to the forum. I also agree with what everyone else has posted

Your Brother
Tom

[ScarletWren]

Hi Doug,

Poker?!?!?  Oh no, we have trouble right here in River City and it starts with P and that stands for Poker.......errrr, I think that might be wrong, lol.  Did I just date myself???  I'm OLD.

When God wants you to quit playing, He will get your attention, at least that's my humble opinion.

I've enjoyed reading your posts as well as all the others on here.