lottery

Scratching in Public?

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
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Occasionally, I’ll come across people scratching off lottery tickets while still at the store. It’s almost like they are at a “Lottery Bar,” and after a card is scratched, they tell the person at the counter, “Hit me again.” They sometimes will stand there for a while hoping, but spending on more cards the few dollars they win. They are taking a “chance” to win it big! Going from struggling to living on “Easy Street.” They don’t want to wait or work for it, but instead have it given to them as if they deserve it.

Some people have a similar attitude toward living life. They hope for things to change quickly and for the better. It seems as if these same individuals resist doing what they can to change things. They wind up leaving “life” to chance!

But they don’t have to.

If a person will give their life to God, accept his Son, Jesus, and ask for the forgiveness of their sins their wrongdoings, then they will enter a life where God will want to bless his new child who has entered into his family. Yes, there are Godly principles (not rules) to live by that make a difference in how your life goes. Now, I would be irresponsible if I told you that nothing bad will ever happen to you again. But if and when it does, God is there to lead you and guide you through it. And while experiencing an uncomfortable time, He is also there to comfort you. You may not understand why you are going through this, or you are asking, “What does this have to do with God’s plan?”

But if you trust him with the question, then you can trust him with the answer, whether you know it or not.

You don’t have to leave your life to “chance” but instead can have divine direction and deliverance. You won’t need to stand before God, “hoping” or “scratching” your way through life! Instead, you can be confident that the one who loves you more than you will ever know is right there with you. Oh! And please don’t scratch in public!

Don’t panic. I’m with you.
    There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
    I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isa. 41:10 (MSG)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

The Cheapest Dream in Town

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
Photo by: Paulo Diniz via Pixabay

Playing Powerball is popular in America. The jackpots grow these days to outrageous dollar amounts. Most people hope to win it. There was one such winner last night from California. They won $1.73 Billion. That’s, of course, if they take the annuity option, and yes, they have to pay federal and state taxes first. Otherwise, they can take a one-time lump sum, which would pay out much less but still more than most Americans can earn in their lifetime.

When the lottery topic came up in my old workplace, one man often reminded us, saying, “Playing the lottery is the cheapest dream in town!” He was right. And I have to admit I have played before and have joined those who dreamed of how they would spend it. I would first get out of all my dept. Then, I would give an offering to my local church and help some family members if needed. From there, I would carefully seek the Lord on what to do with it. (NOTE: I said “offering” to the church instead of a “tithe” because I would not have labored for the money. In other words, playing the lottery isn’t my job.)

Some people play because they are desperate to change their current life. Whether they are deep in debt for several reasons, need a life-saving surgery, or any otherwise impossible situation. They hoped their financial woes would end overnight. Others might play to make a large purchase of something they want but don’t need.

I have heard when someone wins a large sum of cash, they trade one set of problems for another. Like out of the blue, they have millions of friends and issues with family members who don’t get enough of the money to suit them. I heard from a trusted source that one wealthy and famous ex-TV host gets hundreds of requests daily for financial help.

“According to Ohman, most lottery winners spend all their winnings and end up in a worse financial position than before they won.”

That is sad to learn about most lottery winners. So what is one to do? For those who believe in God, it is better to put your trust in the Lord. He knows what you have need of and will provide it.

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat. 6:31-33 (KJV)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Prov. 3:5 (KJV)

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Ps. 55:17 (KJV)

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
    with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
    and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Prov. 3:9-10 (NIV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady.