God, Satan, Money, and the LotteryPrev Topic Next Topic

New Topic New Poll

Lotterologist

Lotto City, Michigan
United States
Member #36,255
March 30, 2006
2,076 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 10:04 am

Peace and love!
As you may know, I am a fan of the lottery. Like you, I too enjoy playing the game. It is very challenging and when you win, can be very rewarding, but some people think it is a sin to play gambling games.
Long before I started playing the lottery, I went to church every Sunday, where I studied the bible and learned some spiritual things. Among the lessons I learned was that Christ said "the LOVE of money is the root of all evil". A man cannot serve two masters, God and mammon(money).
Realizing that MUCH evil has been done "for the love of money", I decided to NEVER let money rule me. If the chance ever arises, I hope I can walk away from a million like it was a dime.
What are YOUR views on God, Satan, Money, and the lottery?
LckyLary

United States
Member #10,720
January 23, 2005
935 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 10:21 am

It also says it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go to Heaven. It's two things, what you would do to GET money and what you would do WITH money. Sin is sin, and maybe more enabled by having the money to do things you normally couldn't, but also doing more good things is enabled. It's the heart of the person that determines how money affects them. You certainly can't go through life without it. Everyone's fear is that they will go through there whole life denying themselves enjoyment for the sake of holiness, only to "find out" when they die that there's nothing on the other side. So it's how strong a person's faith is. Yes I do play the Lottery, but the amounts I win aren't enough to cause trouble, pays a few bills or a food order or whatever, and I give a little to the Church. It's up to God if you win, or if you win big, because He knows how it would affect you. If a "bad" person wins it could either be to help them change their life for good, or it could be because they were "going to Hell anyway". I would want to go as much good as possible but it has to be to glorify God, not yourself. You have to be VERY careful here! I believe that if you trust God enough that He will provide what you need (through your own motivation and action and talents) and if not then there is some greater purpose. (I HOPE I could still feel this way in the middle of a crisis...) It's also about greed. The people who use their winnings for evil or to "serve money" as it were, often end up bankrupt in a few years anyway. I won't mention names.
Lotterologist

Lotto City, Michigan
United States
Member #36,255
March 30, 2006
2,076 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 10:28 am

I appreciate your reply and it was very well said!
I was listening to a Buddhist monk yesterday. He was describing the "Three Posions" , which are the primary sources for all evil deeds: Greed, Hatred, and Delusions.
Greed: Greed is the cause of many offences. The five greedy desires are: wealth, sex, fame, eating, and sleeping.
Greedy desire is endless and therefore can never be satisfied. The lesser the greedy desire, the happier and more satisfied we are. The best prescription to deal with greed is in giving away.
Anger: Hatred to people is another cause of evil deed. We should not lose temper and get angry when we are unhappy. We should be calm and patient.
Delusion: It means the persistent belief in something false and distorted. We have to observe and think in an objective and rational manner, so as to avoid prejudice and misunderstanding. For instance, if we don't believe in cause and effect, and then commit offence frequently and heavily, we will suffer from the retribution.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps that is why I see wealth as a test. If I became rich, the battle would intensify between Satan and me! (him trying to control me with money, and myself trying to remain free)
Lotterologist

Lotto City, Michigan
United States
Member #36,255
March 30, 2006
2,076 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 10:53 am

Of course, if I won the lotto, I wouldn't "walk away" from my wealth in reality.
I mean that I make the money...the money don't make me!
LuckyGa3

United States
Member #10,163
January 4, 2005
797 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 10:54 am

To know to do good and do it not it is a sin. KJV. So the way I look at playing the lottery or anything else its what you feel in your heart . when it becomes a sin is when u know its not right in your heart. I play the lottery and there has been many times that i placed it above God and i knew it was sin and I thank God that he is a forgiven God . People always uses the lottery as that one thing that they say is a sin . well the Bible teaches us that all sin . It also says that we should obey the law of the land . But how many people go the speed limit at what is posted ? if it says 55 we go 60 right ?. So this is why God died on the Cross as he knew we would never be perfect and he knew we would need the free gift of salvation to enter into heaven and he made were we would not need a advocate to confess our sins wecan go straight to him . and ask . My last view is this . Do not let anyone on earth confuse you as the bible clearly states study to show thyself approves rightfully dividing the word of truth . The devil is the author of confusion .
May you all have a bless day
Teresa
Lotterologist

Lotto City, Michigan
United States
Member #36,255
March 30, 2006
2,076 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 11:06 am

Thank you very much, LuckyGa3!
I once read in the Koran that gambling is a sin because if you lose, you can lose faith in God. I am watchful that when I lose, I never lose faith. As a matter of fact, I keep my lottery playing and my spiritual beliefs seperate. I never blame God when I lose, but when I win, I always give thanks!
spy153

United States
Member #28,408
December 15, 2005
1,200 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 11:26 am

It is interesting that you bring this up. I have had it rough lately. I been diagnosed with panic disorder (debilitating), my grandmother just died, both of my vehicles have been messing up, my husband got caught driving with no insurance (need I say how much that is going to cost?) and nevermind that I had 5 of the 6 numbers picked out for megamillions draw last time that did come out, but didn't have money to play. Yeah, my faith is being tested. So, I started going to church again and praying more often. At first I thought "GOD must hate me, I have angered him." But when I look back on things, I see it could have been much much worse. So in fact, I am thankful to GOD, not mad.

voir-vous dans mes reves!
spy153

United States
Member #28,408
December 15, 2005
1,200 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 11:33 am

and as far as I can see, there's nothing wrong with playing the lottery if it is keeping me from far worse things. Alcoholism, killing, gossiping....there are far worse things available.

voir-vous dans mes reves!
Lotterologist

Lotto City, Michigan
United States
Member #36,255
March 30, 2006
2,076 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 11:36 am

spy153,
Sorry to hear of your loss and misfortune. You're a wise woman.
Good Luck to you and your family.
spy153

United States
Member #28,408
December 15, 2005
1,200 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 11:39 am

thanx

voir-vous dans mes reves!
Lotterologist

Lotto City, Michigan
United States
Member #36,255
March 30, 2006
2,076 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 11:41 am

You're welcome and thank you!
Thoth

Findlay, Ohio
United States
Member #4,855
May 28, 2004
401 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 11:54 am

Quote: Originally posted by LckyLary on Mar 16, 2007
It also says it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go to Heaven. It's two things, what you would do to GET money and what you would do WITH money. Sin is sin, and maybe more enabled by having the money to do things you normally couldn't, but also doing more good things is enabled. It's the heart of the person that determines how money affects them. You certainly can't go through life without it. Everyone's fear is that they will go through there whole life denying themselves enjoyment for the sake of holiness, only to "find out" when they die that there's nothing on the other side. So it's how strong a person's faith is. Yes I do play the Lottery, but the amounts I win aren't enough to cause trouble, pays a few bills or a food order or whatever, and I give a little to the Church. It's up to God if you win, or if you win big, because He knows how it would affect you. If a "bad" person wins it could either be to help them change their life for good, or it could be because they were "going to Hell anyway". I would want to go as much good as possible but it has to be to glorify God, not yourself. You have to be VERY careful here! I believe that if you trust God enough that He will provide what you need (through your own motivation and action and talents) and if not then there is some greater purpose. (I HOPE I could still feel this way in the middle of a crisis...) It's also about greed. The people who use their winnings for evil or to "serve money" as it were, often end up bankrupt in a few years anyway. I won't mention names.

"It's up to God if you win, or if you win big, because He knows how it would affect you. If a "bad" person wins it could either be to help them change their life for good, or it could be because they were "going to Hell anyway"
LOL! The lottery websites should add that to their FAQ page:
Q: Are the winning numbers truly drawn at random?
A: Yes, but the actual people who win are chosen by God.

No offense, but I seriously doubt that God has anything to do with who wins or who loses the lottery.

~Probability=Odds in Motion~
Lotterologist

Lotto City, Michigan
United States
Member #36,255
March 30, 2006
2,076 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 12:22 pm

I don't know if God has anything to do with the lotto or not, but I know that yours is among the many great minds on Lottery Post.
How do you pronounce the name "Thoth", by the way? (I always call you "Thought" because you make me think.) LOL
I enjoy your posts. You are a true inspiration.
Thanks and keep up the good work!

To know what you know and to know what you do not know, is characteristic of one who knows--Lao Tse
x1kosmic

United States
Member #48,044
December 7, 2006
1,750 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 12:33 pm

Tricky subject.... i know people that get out of church, and head straight to the casino's. I will agree on this though...when I don't win, I don't get"mad" at God,.... but if I do win a little something,.....for some reason, i too give thanks nice post.
Elizabeth03

Nova Scotia
Canada
Member #9,934
December 27, 2004
1,292 Posts
Offline

Mar 16, 2007, 12:44 pm

I play the lottery and I believe in God. And I know that he knows your heart and what your intentions are with money. If a person wins a jackpot, you can pay off your bills and help people along the way. That is a good thing. The lottery is for people to improve their lives.

Whenever I win the lottery I thank God, because I believe that I have guidance.

New Topic New Poll

Subscribe to this topic

God, Satan, Money, and the LotteryPrev TopicNext Topic

God, Satan, Money, and the LotteryPrev Topic Next Topic