My father played lottery for at least 40 years in Canada. Never won. I always believed in trusting the Lord. Life is not always easy but he has been faithful.
Put your faith in God. He will provide. May the Lord return soon! Amen. God is merciful. He always forgives. Never be ashamed to take your failures to him. He is for you, not against you! God is with you in the storm. He knows your troubles, he hears you! He is for you, on your side, always! It may feel silent at times, but he’s holding you close! May the Lord return soon! We are drawing closer. He is coming! Believe and trust in the Lord, you will be saved. Period. May the Lord bless you all! Hang in there family. Stay strong. It is not easy following the Lord. We are scoffed at. We give up our earthly dreams, our fleshly desires. What the enemy offers is short lived, but heaven is forever! Life may seem or be unfair, but God is with you! Always remember that. Things may get better or worse for you, but a kingdom awaits you! Finish the race! Repent daily and carry your cross. This world is fading fast. Your troubles are temporary! New channel here, I’d appreciate any kind of support. Don’t give up! God loves you so much! So do I. The Lord bless you!
I ask for prayers. Late last year I began online gambling, only ended up with losses of course. Not everything I had, mercifully, but I spoke to family and brought it to a stop. To be honest I had left it behind without fear of returning until today, when I started convincing myself that "maybe I could win it back". Although my issue was with online casinos rather than scratch cards or lottery tickets it's still in the same vein. And then this video appeared in my subs and I'm thankful for it! For those facing such temptations talk to someone, God especially and make it a daily prayer that He will take the desire away.
Nothing like that strategically located billboard on your way back home in the evening, from a dead end job, that allows you to live from paycheck to paycheck, letting you know how rich you can be if you buy a ticket! In my town, these billboards are serendipitously located at well known rush hour bottlenecks points along the capitol belt and other major roads!
The money saved is the money won, that’s how I see it. My parents have been buying for over 30 years now and as Pastor John mentioned, they’ve only won small gains (like free tickets and $5-10). People spend hundred and thousands of dollars a year on this and only get small amounts back if they get anything. God is faithful and He provides. There are many things we want and wish for, but He knows exactly what we need and he’ll provide accordingly. ☺️
I live in Las Vegas for more than 20 years. Playing the lottery is another form of gambling and it insults the poor, especially during these uncertain times and Covid. I prefer to donate my money to missionaries and bible distribution. Trust in the Lord and be in prayer, He will provide. Psalm 24:1, The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, Psalm 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 27:24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
Very good information on how these gambling systems are hurting the most vulnerable. I have not been in that position. Nevertheless, I would occasionally buy Powerball tickets. About five years ago, I asked myself why I was doing this. I realized it is sin. The desire to gain millions denies that my provider is God and no amount of money will ever replace his providence. It is idolatry. What would it do for my life, make be younger? It would entangle me in more worldly pursuits and likely poison my relationships. I will never again commit that sin against God. You can say you are going to build a bigger barn, but you may not have another day on this earth.
Lord help us to trust and have faith in you and not on the things of this world like the lottery and to help others get out of negative mindsets and structures designed to exploit them
It's not just the poor! It's the financially misguided of all backgrounds. I have worked as homemakers son working in millionaire households and as a county marketing representative for numerous supermarkets and stores. In both work areas, I have witnessed the high and the low of the financial worlds who wasted thousands of dollars in a vice-like state of mind to either get rich or get richer. How I view lottery/scratchoff/gambling games: If you're not going to be addicted by it and feel like wasting some money for fun, set a budget, bring an accountability partner to stop you, and cut tbe cord on the betting if you get an itching to go deeper. Otherwise, don't play it.
I agree. I've only bought a few Powerball tickets in my life and its only when the prize is like $500,000,000. Scratch offs are fun if I have a couple dollars to blow, even then, I think I've bought less than 20 in my whole life and I'm 38. God has blessed with me with a good career and I want to be a good steward with my income.
Yes. I think the occasional stray ticket is defensible as entertainment. I like buying a ticket or two when the jackpot gets super high. It's not sinful to spend money on personal upkeep and amusement (within reason and means, of course). A ticket in those cases represents a pleasant fantasy, a brief reverie and the quiet question of what will happen if you win. The problem is that this video is absolutely right. The vast majority of lottery players are playing for the wrong reasons and being taken advantage of. Exceptions prove the rule, as they say.
Well if you are day trading then that can be a form of gambling, but investing itself is a good thing because you put your money to work instead of letting it sit in the bank doing nothing for you.
That can definitely be gambling too but if one approaches it like a business it can be a great thing. I suggest that most people should stick to passive investing using ETFs because they have a lack of time and knowledge to do anything else. Beating the market like that is hard enough so trying something vastly more difficult and time consuming such as day trading, options trading or forex trading just doesn't make sense for most people. Just so you know my credentials: I've been trading and actively investing for almost five years and I have studied all types of topics, strategies and tools. I've put in a couple thousand hours but I'm still quite far from being an expert. That's what it takes and I love it. But for most people, this isn't a reasonable path to take.
They have TV shows showing many ppl who have won the lottery. Lots of ppl win. I used to break even or gain on the scratch off tickets. Never went in debt. Also, you can play pch for free!
Thank you for this testimony in christ I wish I can say the same but I hate myself and hate how God made me. I am battling really hard and need a word. For some reason reading my bible doesn't take away the pain. I come here not to offend anyone and not to offend a particular race or people. What I will be sharing will be transparent and my own personal issue and thoughts. I will share now: I am angry at God by a ton. I didnt ask to exist in this world, not that I want it anyway or to be an eternal being. I feel very stuck. I know God looks at the heart and not the appearance but should that really make me feel better when it is him responsible for why I look the way I do and am the way I am. If say someone was very ugly should they feel comforted that God would tell them its okay I only care for your heart and won't judge you on your appearance when in fact his the one to blame and responsible for that lersons ugliness anyways even if he goes on ahead and says he doesn't care for the look. Isn't he the one responsible for that and not us because we don't really control what we will be. I know God looks on the heart of us and not how someone looks but it is really true that God does create people who are beautiful on the outside as he deems best and also love Jesus and are beautiful on the inside too, so both. And they go to heaven and still being beautiful as they are always whereas someone like me is butt ugly and works on being beautiful on the inside but will still be ugly in heaven because I just really am naturally so. Its no offense to God but I'd rather be honest to people and to him why I feel this way. I have a dream I wanted to be beautiful attractive stunning and a Mexican latina girl, if not that a beautiful lovely white girl, if not that a beautiful gorgeous European girl with a radiant heart sold out for Jesus and be beautiful on the inside. But instead I'm not a pretty latina, I'm not anything I mentioned. I am just an ugly Asian girl. Nothing special about me. Nothing stunning. Just a Filipino and besides being Asian being Filipino, really ugly too. It's hard because I know ultimately even in heaven ill still be Asian ill still be Filipino (if anyone says there's nothing wrong about being Asian that's okay but this is my personal issue and my heart) I dreamt of being a latina a pretty one with a big heart for Jesus but why God makes people who are and has great choices for them and really took his precious time with that people who can also have a heart for Jesus I do not understand. It's hard. I'm Filipino and I have an ugly face. I look sour, I look like I smell like freaking sushi, I have the most slanted eyes and I just look sour and ugly and chinky and have a flat nose and I'm just straight out trash looking it's not a nice feeling. Because of this hurt I really am lonely and sad and have turned to pornogtaphy and masturbation to relief that painful feeling of coming here being this way. I turn to this sins to cope. I know that maybe I have a purpose for why I'm ugly and why God choosed for me to be Filipino to be Asian but if I fulfill that purpose that reason does it ever end after? No ill still be me, still be very ugly, still sour looking Asian Filipino flat face, flat nose, uncomely looking person even up to heaven. And it hurts feeling like you got the unfortunate and you know what you could become what you'd be but that's not it. You know what you could've been and you had that dream but you got the bad end of it so now you are stuck in porn and masturbation and everything you dabble is disgusting because you yourself feel very disgusting. It's a form of pleasure,, coping mechanism but also to self inflict on my body if that makes sense.. you know push and Rachel came from the same parents yet god choosed to make Rachel beautiful and make Leah plain and very unattractive so yes she experienced many hurts from that and feeling rejected something that wasn't her fault but Gods. It wasn't Leah who decided to make herself 7battractive it was God's and it was God's decision to make Rachel splendid too so it's not true that everyone is beautifully made by godI guess I feel really hurt because tbh it was God who made Rachel beautiful and decided to make Leah plain and unattractive what she experienced was just a byproduct of that both sisters came from the same parents so it was what God did and i felt that too being in that situation. It's like God pat Leah's back telling her it's okay if your seen as plain and unattractive and left rejected by people you have him. When in reality it was not her who signed herself up for this she didn't even choose to be ugly it was God's decision to make her sister Rachel stunningly breathtakingly beautiful and her unattractive and left to feel unwanted. There's literal people in this world who are beautiful physically and also are Christians and love God and do have a substance. People beautiful inside and out. I'm sorry to say this but let me be blunt here. God made Rachel and Leah. This two women came from the same parents. It just happened that God choose to make Rachel stunningly beautiful and choose to make Leah the plain unattractive one. All Leah experienced the rejection from people and her husband and her own self rejection was just a byproduct of what God did. It's not like she signed herself up for this. It's not like Leah had any control how she would come out being. It's not like she willingly choose to be the ugly Betty. Yes I'm mad I was in that situation exactly as this two women. Let's not sugar coat it I mean it is what it is women want to be beautiful, women want to be loved but reality is not everyone is beautiful and precious words in scripture even said it about this two characters so how is it any different now? And it can't be Rachel's fault either because we'll god just decided to make her beautiful she was just born into this and was also well loved. She can even have a nice personality. It's just harsh truths you know. That's what god did. There was nothing wrong with Jacob loving Rachel and certainly nothing wrong with Rachel being Rachel. There's people who are ugly and have an ugly heart too. Wat can I say, I am Filipino I'm asian and I don't ever want to be despite people not having problems with it like I'm forced in this. I'm ugly too and have an ugly heart. I hate my soul, spirit, my body, and being myka here in existence but there's nothing to do I'll always be forever. I'm forced to be this person forever and killing myself doesn't cease my existence because I'm me forever even onto eternity. I thank God for deciding to force my existence, I don't Hank him for choosing to make me Filipino for choosing to make me asian forever and ever. I thank him for choosing to make me ugly and worthless and a me and I can get a way with this because it is a forever thing. Yeah thanks god It's long my post now I'm so angry and no one understands. I dont even want to carry out this life I don't want to carry out being me but everyday I'm forced to everyday God drags me to have to be this person I don't want to and I though suicide was the answer then I realize I'll die but my soul, my spirit is still me so I just always am I got dragged and forced by God to exist and I'd want to cease my existence. When people tell you they don't like you because your ugly or your personality or they just hate you yes its their sinfulness because they are human but at the same time it's like yes I understand how you feel people because trust me I don't decide to look like this or have this personality or be this race the me you see is something I wouldn't have wanted either but what was determined for me to be and why do I have to be it. So what's so wrong for a black person to hate being black or for an Indian person to hate being Indian because people do feel that way they get forced into things they have to be forever and ever. What's wrong with me if I would've wanted to come in this world having pale skin, a pretty attractive face,, have a nice body be a Mexican girl, and at the same time have a great personality and most of all be a godly woman but being forced to be something forever that isn't you but you have to identify as words cannot even describe how terrible that feels. Dont tell me im beautiful this and that because I'm not because I'll always hate myself and it doesn't matter how much God loves me it won't drive away the fact I am ugly and I jate all the things he made me to be. I hate he made me Asian he made me Filipino I hatmte my personality, I hate my ugly face and body I hate my soul and spirit because even if my body changes in heaven I'm still my spirit I'm still my soul I'm still myka and I hate it I don't want my entire essence of a human.. it's God who forced me and demanded me to exist and this is causing me pain because I'm sorry to burst everyone's bubbles but it's not true there are people who are attractive and people who are not. When people say everyone's beautiful its not true not everyone is and that's harsh truths but it's as real as it gets. Some people are knockout beautiful and can even be Christians and get mistaken for a model and there are those with no eyes, no kegs, crooked teeth, deformed face flat nose. Etc not everyone is. And why God made beautiful people who can also have a beautiful heart and make some people such as myself who are ugly I don't know I don't know. Some people can be ugly and also havevan ugly heart.. It's not fair and I find myself so angry with God I know I can glow up in heaven but I'm still me and I'll still be Asian there too still be Filipino and still be myka and I think its a curse I never ever wanted this I'm just forced to live it up and be. . Can someone talk to me here. Does anyone understand because this is how my thoughts and heart is. I mean no offense or be racist to anyone my thoughts purely comes from my own personal struggle.
Hello, sorry for the long answer that you’ll read in a moment. I read your message and I appreciate your honesty, sometimes that’s the only thing necessary to receive an answer from God, He does not call it a sin if you “argue” with Him, because you’re searching for an answer, thirsting for it even, and whoever searches shall find. This said, I’m not going to convince you of things that you should never believe: yes, in this world there are people that are more good-looking, as well as people less gifted in that area, but this is only valid as long as the outside appearance is concerned: the heart of man is deceitful, and sick, no matter your external look or, lo and behold, your faith in God. For us men, there’s no such thing as a “perfect” heart fully devoted to God, not even in the one called “the man according to God’s heart” (talking about king David here) can we find someone fully “pretty” on the inside; becoming a little bit prettier-on-the-inside than what we used to be is a matter of constant work, and of constantly getting broken by God on certain aspects of our life. But now on to the main argument you so honestly bring forth: ugliness to the eyes of the flesh. Yes, yes, you know that God made you in a marvelous way (Ps 139,14), but you don’t understand why you don’t have the beauty traits that the world so desperatedly seeks (sigh- sometimes even the christian world, but please indulge this flaw, as I said, without a constant vigilance our heart is the same old heart, and pray to forgive us if a christian context made you feel uneasy about this subject). God called you into this world, with your specific characteristics because that was the best course of actions possible to obtain the ultimate best result (God does not come up with half-good solutions, even in desperate times His actions are always directed for the best possible outcome, in the best possible time); yes, you never asked to come into this world or to have the physical traits you now possess but, and let me disappoint you a little here, you’re not in this world for yourself, for your happiness, or for your desires. That’s what Satan wants you to believe, and what the whole world pursues, with great deal of damage to every heart as result. The place for happiness is anothe one, and God is in it. You are as you are in this world because God set a purpose for you, perfectly fitting yourself, even if you don’t understand it yet. Jesus himself was not “pleasant to our eyes” either (Isaiah 53,2 talks about Him): here, through scripture, the Spirit of God is basically saying that the other person of the Trinity came into this world in a not so good-looking body, and if He says it, you can bet it’s true. Still, Jesus’ purpose required this “specifics”; Saul, a handsome and tall man, was not the saviour of Israel, but a man called by God to be king mainly for his appearance (spoiler: Saul, by the choices he made afterwards, did not perform too well in his reign). I want you now to imagine yourself in the days of Saul, as a young small pastor, the last son of your father, among seven other brothers, stronger and taller than you. You are not the best-looking guy in the room, one would say, nor even in the kingdom, because the standard of beauty now is Saul, the strong king, definetely taller than any other person in the kingdom. Still, you don’t let this thought bring you down and stick to God every day, and who cares about the opinions of other people? They are only talking based on appearance, after all. You pass every day normally doing your job with your father’s flock, perhaps thinking why you don’t look like the king, and then coming back to God, shutting the door to these thoughts of mere appearance, until one day you find a strange man sitting at a table with your family, and he suddenly starts talking to you about the need of a new king over Israel. Your name is David, by the way. This little and exaggerated story (we don't actually know how David considered himself; it was just to address that he had not the standard appearance of a king, as God will tell to Samuel, sent to anoint him) was just to say that we should not be angered with God because we would have preferred being born different, (after all, how could a pot say to the potter: “why did you make me this way?”) nor even that we should see the reality as the world sees it, because let’s face it: the world only sees the appearance, and rejects everyone that does not conform to its canon, even in the slightest thing. If you could change yourself completely in order to be as pretty as the world wants you to be, rest assured that after an hour or less you will be found ugly in another small detail, leading you to the same conditions you are in now, for such is the condition of the “beautiful” people the media show us without ceasing. Don’t be fooled, the world thirsts for perfection in a crooked way, and its desire is unsatiable, don’t consume yourself over the altar of beauty for a world that doesn’t love you, nor will ever be able to. Dont’ struggle to change your looks beyond what is normally desirable (which in my opinion means being as clean and fit as possible without overdoing, again more for your health than your looks), struggle instead to change the eyes through which you see. The first thing that Satan did to us was to poison Eve’s vision to make her see the forbidden fruit as good-looking. The fruit was not good looking when the first men stood with God. What do you expect to happen in a world that is literally ruled by Satan? The poisoning of the eyes is the norm: everything is good if it seems good to you, if you are not perfect no one will ever want you, and so forth. A great set of lies that shouldn’t be the rule, and that we christians should be battling to expose, but still we are tempted to believe them because everything and everyone yells them at us. Stick with God, reject the pleasure of the eyes and flesh, which seems good looking and reassuring but is only able to fake love and to poison even more your eyes, stop looking at what you are not, dreaming to be someone else, start looking at what you are, not offending yourself (and so God), but plainly ask God “what do you want me to do with this earthly body you gave me?” and wait faithfully, for the answer will come, ask repeatedly if needed. I’m asking a sacrifice of you, I know, and I acknowledge that my words may sound harsh, and not at all comforting. But there is Someone else sent to comfort us, and He Will not fail in His role if you let Him “move upon the face of the waters” of your life. Just to address something I read in your message: nowhere is written that we will have nationalities or races in heaven, so you can relax! What it is written though, is that we’ll have a glorified body (I suppose looking like how God sees us in Christ, we can’t even imagine how beautiful), and that we’ll be like angels. No filipinos, latinos, hebrews or italians there. May God bless you, and answer all of your questions.
@@gioeleravarotto201 Hello brother or sister before I read what you put here I want to say thank you for taking the time to read my very long note here and for being kind and helpful to share your response which to me just by looking at it, looks that you took your time for someone like me. Very thankful. Now I will read it !
Has anyone told you brother you have a gift for writing. I myself love to write too. But my writing is not refined yet and many grammatical errors or not many words to fully convey my thoughts. But I'm so pleased with your writing too me. It runs very deep and meaningful. I understand what you mean and I also love your writing on top of it. I will do what you want me to shift my eyes on. This is a good piece of work I'm thankful. Would be nice to see more of this response brother very eye opening. I never saw it in Christian context I read. You nailed it dissecting my questions and answering them right on the spot. May you do more? Very blessed ill have to save this and read it constantly when this thoughts take me captive again. You are right also not even those who have godliness in them can be as holy as God so when I said there's people who are beautiful on the outside and beautiful and godly on the inside it is inaccurate because we all still fail even David did, Moses, Paul, etc. Please pray for me. This time in my life I don't want to be ruled by what people think of me, and by coveting, jealous, envy towards other women, and towards sexual sin. I want to move forward with my life and I'll make that step today.
I thank you for your kindness, and God for giving me the words I wrote, to Him all the glory! I will surely pray for you, because I can relate with what you've been through, as surely many others besides us can. The intent of Satan is to make us feel ugly and steal from us the courage to admit to others how we feel. Glad your courage wasn't took away. Keep up the writing dream, you never know what God will make of your skills. Have a nice day, for in the Philippines it should be early morning I reckon, supposing you write from there.
"How the Lottery Preys on the Poor" Oh indeed kind Sir. For there are few evils that are worse than lottery's, gambling and begging for money, etc. IE: Jesus told us that we ARE to give. He never told us to beg; or to want what we don't have. Because it is NOT necessary. He proved that beyond a doubt; when He did this: 1. Luke 9:13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. Luke 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. Luke 9:16 Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. Luke 9:17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets. Later, Jesus did this again: 2. Matthew 15:36 Jesus took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. Matthew 15:37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. Matthew 15:38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. And Jesus also said this: 3. Matthew 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. I believe that Jesus did this SO: we would NEVER have to beg or want things; that we do not have. Rather: ALWAYS pray to Jesus for our needs and wants. And NEVER want or beg from ANY other source ever. Now...IF we want or think we need things; that Jesus deems we should not have; He will NOT answer our prayers. Oh indeed. Amen! Thus: NO one should EVER, moan, beg, ask for things, play lotteries or gamble; in ANY way known; from any source except, Jesus. This includes ALL charities; for most of them are guided by satan; instead of Jesus. Oh indeed yes. For Jesus will never put us on a limb and cut the limb off. Praise His Holy Name...But I tell you this: satan WILL! AND...in a New "WOKE" City minute!! End of Story, and I rest me case... ...In any case kind Sir, Please Pray OFTEN and Praise Jesus OFTEN; for He is the ONLY true "God Almighty"; there will ever have been. And may Jesus bless you and yours always. AMEN!
Well I guess I am screwed and going to hell. Well my entire family. We’re all gamblers. Old saying everything in life is a gamble and faith is the biggest gamble of all. When I go to a casino or buy a ticket, I am buying a chance of something. I never get into a bad situation. You always make anything that is fun a sin.It’s only a sin if not done in moderation. What you are doing is telling people to gamble their very lives in a being nobody has ever seen.
God gives us faith, and He answers our prayers according to His love and righteousness - God is real and faith in Him is not a gamble, for He does His work and displays His glory through the manifestation of His Word in our life. if that is not real to you, then what exactly do you believe in the first place? God with us - it is not a motto, but a reality for all who believe in God. If I were to play a game of chance of going heaven or hell in the afterlife, I would never become a Christian, to begin with. "You always make anything that is fun a sin." - to be precise, not every 'fun' thing is of sin, but I am under the impression that you find something inappropriate 'fun'. "It’s only a sin if not done in moderation." - actually, that very phrase has been used by so many people when they invite the sin into their life. Alcoholics started to drink 'moderately' also.
@@Mimu1983 people like you and piper who always b@tch as well as the government who are against gaming always preach that’s same red herring that god would provide well guess what I yet to see a sandwich come from the sky and into my hands. You always talk about there needs more money for programs,yet when the time comes to put your money where your mouth is all of you bailed out.
@@gregorymckinney666 I do actually play computer games - again, not every entertainment is a sin, but self-justifications always led people to sin. I do not know where you are from, but 'the government' would not mind about those fun things as long as the taxes are paid AND no dead body is found. Apparently, God did not drop sandwiches from heaven for me to eat; but He did provide me with good people who made (or will make) lunches (or dinners even) for me, or money to buy food. Even when God gave the Israelites manna, the Israelites had to go and collect manna so they could cook it - things are not what you imagine to be. Concerning the money thing you said - I am perplexed here. God always provides. He gave me enough money to sustain, and even more, so that I may make offerings (though never enough for His glory and grace). If you think of me as a pastor or a 'church worker', you are wrong. I do not ask for money from others - I am the one who gives. I may give because God has provided me. I pray that I would offer more to God the Father, for He has given me much.
@@Mimu1983 people like piper don’t want anyone to have anything but him and others live like rock stars despite what he says about the prosperity gospel. I never recall any priest or so called pastors who I believe is the cheapest title in all religion because anyone can remember a few scriptures and call themselves pastor because they have no schooling in theology.
@@gregorymckinney666 Not exactly. That is your own sense of justification, again. People receive different gifts; for pastors, they will (and ought to) receive the Word of God so they will work and live as the messengers of God. For some, they shall receive wealth while some others may receive specialized skills - all to serve the Lord. Why the Prosperity Gospel is so damning? It does not glorify God - and those people want God to give them money as they 'pay' for their good fortunes; they are being deceived while they themselves deceive. On the other hand, people are 'equally' being deceived when they speak of having little somehow related to the holiness in life. God will give little to those who may go sinning if they have plenty, while God will give much to some others, ACCORDING TO His love and righteousness. That is how God sustains His people while holding them away from sin. I value good pastors, not because of who they are, but what they are tasked to do. You have erred here again because there are some who have actually studied theology at proper seminaries, just like John Piper. He may not be a 'perfect' pastor, but he has been doing his work all these years, with fruits. You need to see the fruits of others to understand who they are.
My father played lottery for at least 40 years in Canada. Never won. I always believed in trusting the Lord. Life is not always easy but he has been faithful.
Put your faith in God. He will provide. May the Lord return soon! Amen. God is merciful. He always forgives. Never be ashamed to take your failures to him. He is for you, not against you! God is with you in the storm. He knows your troubles, he hears you! He is for you, on your side, always! It may feel silent at times, but he’s holding you close! May the Lord return soon! We are drawing closer. He is coming! Believe and trust in the Lord, you will be saved. Period. May the Lord bless you all! Hang in there family. Stay strong. It is not easy following the Lord. We are scoffed at. We give up our earthly dreams, our fleshly desires. What the enemy offers is short lived, but heaven is forever! Life may seem or be unfair, but God is with you! Always remember that. Things may get better or worse for you, but a kingdom awaits you! Finish the race! Repent daily and carry your cross. This world is fading fast. Your troubles are temporary! New channel here, I’d appreciate any kind of support. Don’t give up! God loves you so much! So do I. The Lord bless you!
I ask for prayers. Late last year I began online gambling, only ended up with losses of course. Not everything I had, mercifully, but I spoke to family and brought it to a stop. To be honest I had left it behind without fear of returning until today, when I started convincing myself that "maybe I could win it back". Although my issue was with online casinos rather than scratch cards or lottery tickets it's still in the same vein. And then this video appeared in my subs and I'm thankful for it! For those facing such temptations talk to someone, God especially and make it a daily prayer that He will take the desire away.
Nothing like that strategically located billboard on your way back home in the evening, from a dead end job, that allows you to live from paycheck to paycheck, letting you know how rich you can be if you buy a ticket! In my town, these billboards are serendipitously located at well known rush hour bottlenecks points along the capitol belt and other major roads!
Satan searches for the very inch of space to tempt us. Put on the armor of God.
Thank for another very good episode. Tracey Burroughs from South Africa 🇿🇦 listening.
The money saved is the money won, that’s how I see it. My parents have been buying for over 30 years now and as Pastor John mentioned, they’ve only won small gains (like free tickets and $5-10). People spend hundred and thousands of dollars a year on this and only get small amounts back if they get anything. God is faithful and He provides. There are many things we want and wish for, but He knows exactly what we need and he’ll provide accordingly. ☺️
I live in Las Vegas for more than 20 years. Playing the lottery is another form of gambling and it insults the poor, especially during these uncertain times and Covid. I prefer to donate my money to missionaries and bible distribution. Trust in the Lord and be in prayer, He will provide.
Psalm 24:1,
The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
Psalm 50:10
For every beast of the forest is mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
Proverbs 27:24
For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
Praise God!
Very good information on how these gambling systems are hurting the most vulnerable. I have not been in that position. Nevertheless, I would occasionally buy Powerball tickets. About five years ago, I asked myself why I was doing this. I realized it is sin. The desire to gain millions denies that my provider is God and no amount of money will ever replace his providence. It is idolatry. What would it do for my life, make be younger? It would entangle me in more worldly pursuits and likely poison my relationships. I will never again commit that sin against God. You can say you are going to build a bigger barn, but you may not have another day on this earth.
I'd love to hear what Pastor John has to say regarding a raffle to benefit charity, and whether the same biblical principles apply
I've got to admit i do gamble a lot, lottery, scratch cards, games online I need to stop. At least for myself.
Lord help us to trust and have faith in you and not on the things of this world like the lottery and to help others get out of negative mindsets and structures designed to exploit them
It's not just the poor! It's the financially misguided of all backgrounds. I have worked as homemakers son working in millionaire households and as a county marketing representative for numerous supermarkets and stores. In both work areas, I have witnessed the high and the low of the financial worlds who wasted thousands of dollars in a vice-like state of mind to either get rich or get richer.
How I view lottery/scratchoff/gambling games: If you're not going to be addicted by it and feel like wasting some money for fun, set a budget, bring an accountability partner to stop you, and cut tbe cord on the betting if you get an itching to go deeper. Otherwise, don't play it.
I agree. I've only bought a few Powerball tickets in my life and its only when the prize is like $500,000,000. Scratch offs are fun if I have a couple dollars to blow, even then, I think I've bought less than 20 in my whole life and I'm 38. God has blessed with me with a good career and I want to be a good steward with my income.
Yes. I think the occasional stray ticket is defensible as entertainment. I like buying a ticket or two when the jackpot gets super high. It's not sinful to spend money on personal upkeep and amusement (within reason and means, of course). A ticket in those cases represents a pleasant fantasy, a brief reverie and the quiet question of what will happen if you win.
The problem is that this video is absolutely right. The vast majority of lottery players are playing for the wrong reasons and being taken advantage of. Exceptions prove the rule, as they say.
I live by the mantra that if God wants me to win the lottery, then he will speak up and tell me to buy a ticket.
What about things like investing in stocks or the forex market?
Well if you are day trading then that can be a form of gambling, but investing itself is a good thing because you put your money to work instead of letting it sit in the bank doing nothing for you.
That can definitely be gambling too but if one approaches it like a business it can be a great thing. I suggest that most people should stick to passive investing using ETFs because they have a lack of time and knowledge to do anything else.
Beating the market like that is hard enough so trying something vastly more difficult and time consuming such as day trading, options trading or forex trading just doesn't make sense for most people.
Just so you know my credentials: I've been trading and actively investing for almost five years and I have studied all types of topics, strategies and tools. I've put in a couple thousand hours but I'm still quite far from being an expert. That's what it takes and I love it. But for most people, this isn't a reasonable path to take.
They have TV shows showing many ppl who have won the lottery. Lots of ppl win. I used to break even or gain on the scratch off tickets. Never went in debt. Also, you can play pch for free!
Ok.. but that's still voluntary. How about, How the Federal Reserve preys on the poor?
Lol.... Truth
The lot is cast in the lap but every result is from the LORD
Some interesting statistics at the start. It's pretty much a form of gambling.
Isn't it it gambling itself lol?
@@danielmunsaka2051 my comment said it (lottery tickets) is a form of gambling though, so what's your point? 🤷
Thank you for this testimony in christ I wish I can say the same but I hate myself and hate how God made me. I am battling really hard and need a word. For some reason reading my bible doesn't take away the pain. I come here not to offend anyone and not to offend a particular race or people. What I will be sharing will be transparent and my own personal issue and thoughts. I will share now:
I am angry at God by a ton. I didnt ask to exist in this world, not that I want it anyway or to be an eternal being. I feel very stuck. I know God looks at the heart and not the appearance but should that really make me feel better when it is him responsible for why I look the way I do and am the way I am. If say someone was very ugly should they feel comforted that God would tell them its okay I only care for your heart and won't judge you on your appearance when in fact his the one to blame and responsible for that lersons ugliness anyways even if he goes on ahead and says he doesn't care for the look. Isn't he the one responsible for that and not us because we don't really control what we will be.
I know God looks on the heart of us and not how someone looks but it is really true that God does create people who are beautiful on the outside as he deems best and also love Jesus and are beautiful on the inside too, so both. And they go to heaven and still being beautiful as they are always whereas someone like me is butt ugly and works on being beautiful on the inside but will still be ugly in heaven because I just really am naturally so. Its no offense to God but I'd rather be honest to people and to him why I feel this way.
I have a dream I wanted to be beautiful attractive stunning and a Mexican latina girl, if not that a beautiful lovely white girl, if not that a beautiful gorgeous European girl with a radiant heart sold out for Jesus and be beautiful on the inside. But instead I'm not a pretty latina, I'm not anything I mentioned. I am just an ugly Asian girl. Nothing special about me. Nothing stunning. Just a Filipino and besides being Asian being Filipino, really ugly too. It's hard because I know ultimately even in heaven ill still be Asian ill still be Filipino (if anyone says there's nothing wrong about being Asian that's okay but this is my personal issue and my heart) I dreamt of being a latina a pretty one with a big heart for Jesus but why God makes people who are and has great choices for them and really took his precious time with that people who can also have a heart for Jesus I do not understand. It's hard. I'm Filipino and I have an ugly face. I look sour, I look like I smell like freaking sushi, I have the most slanted eyes and I just look sour and ugly and chinky and have a flat nose and I'm just straight out trash looking it's not a nice feeling. Because of this hurt I really am lonely and sad and have turned to pornogtaphy and masturbation to relief that painful feeling of coming here being this way. I turn to this sins to cope. I know that maybe I have a purpose for why I'm ugly and why God choosed for me to be Filipino to be Asian but if I fulfill that purpose that reason does it ever end after? No ill still be me, still be very ugly, still sour looking Asian Filipino flat face, flat nose, uncomely looking person even up to heaven. And it hurts feeling like you got the unfortunate and you know what you could become what you'd be but that's not it. You know what you could've been and you had that dream but you got the bad end of it so now you are stuck in porn and masturbation and everything you dabble is disgusting because you yourself feel very disgusting. It's a form of pleasure,, coping mechanism but also to self inflict on my body if that makes sense.. you know push and Rachel came from the same parents yet god choosed to make Rachel beautiful and make Leah plain and very unattractive so yes she experienced many hurts from that and feeling rejected something that wasn't her fault but Gods. It wasn't Leah who decided to make herself 7battractive it was God's and it was God's decision to make Rachel splendid too so it's not true that everyone is beautifully made by godI guess I feel really hurt because tbh it was God who made Rachel beautiful and decided to make Leah plain and unattractive what she experienced was just a byproduct of that both sisters came from the same parents so it was what God did and i felt that too being in that situation. It's like God pat Leah's back telling her it's okay if your seen as plain and unattractive and left rejected by people you have him. When in reality it was not her who signed herself up for this she didn't even choose to be ugly it was God's decision to make her sister Rachel stunningly breathtakingly beautiful and her unattractive and left to feel unwanted. There's literal people in this world who are beautiful physically and also are Christians and love God and do have a substance. People beautiful inside and out. I'm sorry to say this but let me be blunt here. God made Rachel and Leah. This two women came from the same parents. It just happened that God choose to make Rachel stunningly beautiful and choose to make Leah the plain unattractive one. All Leah experienced the rejection from people and her husband and her own self rejection was just a byproduct of what God did. It's not like she signed herself up for this. It's not like Leah had any control how she would come out being. It's not like she willingly choose to be the ugly Betty. Yes I'm mad I was in that situation exactly as this two women. Let's not sugar coat it I mean it is what it is women want to be beautiful, women want to be loved but reality is not everyone is beautiful and precious words in scripture even said it about this two characters so how is it any different now? And it can't be Rachel's fault either because we'll god just decided to make her beautiful she was just born into this and was also well loved. She can even have a nice personality. It's just harsh truths you know. That's what god did. There was nothing wrong with Jacob loving Rachel and certainly nothing wrong with Rachel being Rachel. There's people who are ugly and have an ugly heart too. Wat can I say, I am Filipino I'm asian and I don't ever want to be despite people not having problems with it like I'm forced in this. I'm ugly too and have an ugly heart. I hate my soul, spirit, my body, and being myka here in existence but there's nothing to do I'll always be forever. I'm forced to be this person forever and killing myself doesn't cease my existence because I'm me forever even onto eternity. I thank God for deciding to force my existence, I don't Hank him for choosing to make me Filipino for choosing to make me asian forever and ever. I thank him for choosing to make me ugly and worthless and a me and I can get a way with this because it is a forever thing. Yeah thanks god It's long my post now I'm so angry and no one understands. I dont even want to carry out this life I don't want to carry out being me but everyday I'm forced to everyday God drags me to have to be this person I don't want to and I though suicide was the answer then I realize I'll die but my soul, my spirit is still me so I just always am I got dragged and forced by God to exist and I'd want to cease my existence. When people tell you they don't like you because your ugly or your personality or they just hate you yes its their sinfulness because they are human but at the same time it's like yes I understand how you feel people because trust me I don't decide to look like this or have this personality or be this race the me you see is something I wouldn't have wanted either but what was determined for me to be and why do I have to be it. So what's so wrong for a black person to hate being black or for an Indian person to hate being Indian because people do feel that way they get forced into things they have to be forever and ever. What's wrong with me if I would've wanted to come in this world having pale skin, a pretty attractive face,, have a nice body be a Mexican girl, and at the same time have a great personality and most of all be a godly woman but being forced to be something forever that isn't you but you have to identify as words cannot even describe how terrible that feels. Dont tell me im beautiful this and that because I'm not because I'll always hate myself and it doesn't matter how much God loves me it won't drive away the fact I am ugly and I jate all the things he made me to be. I hate he made me Asian he made me Filipino I hatmte my personality, I hate my ugly face and body I hate my soul and spirit because even if my body changes in heaven I'm still my spirit I'm still my soul I'm still myka and I hate it I don't want my entire essence of a human.. it's God who forced me and demanded me to exist and this is causing me pain because I'm sorry to burst everyone's bubbles but it's not true there are people who are attractive and people who are not. When people say everyone's beautiful its not true not everyone is and that's harsh truths but it's as real as it gets. Some people are knockout beautiful and can even be Christians and get mistaken for a model and there are those with no eyes, no kegs, crooked teeth, deformed face flat nose. Etc not everyone is. And why God made beautiful people who can also have a beautiful heart and make some people such as myself who are ugly I don't know I don't know. Some people can be ugly and also havevan ugly heart.. It's not fair and I find myself so angry with God I know I can glow up in heaven but I'm still me and I'll still be Asian there too still be Filipino and still be myka and I think its a curse I never ever wanted this I'm just forced to live it up and be. . Can someone talk to me here. Does anyone understand because this is how my thoughts and heart is. I mean no offense or be racist to anyone my thoughts purely comes from my own personal struggle.
Hello, sorry for the long answer that you’ll read in a moment. I read your message and I appreciate your honesty, sometimes that’s the only thing necessary to receive an answer from God, He does not call it a sin if you “argue” with Him, because you’re searching for an answer, thirsting for it even, and whoever searches shall find. This said, I’m not going to convince you of things that you should never believe: yes, in this world there are people that are more good-looking, as well as people less gifted in that area, but this is only valid as long as the outside appearance is concerned: the heart of man is deceitful, and sick, no matter your external look or, lo and behold, your faith in God. For us men, there’s no such thing as a “perfect” heart fully devoted to God, not even in the one called “the man according to God’s heart” (talking about king David here) can we find someone fully “pretty” on the inside; becoming a little bit prettier-on-the-inside than what we used to be is a matter of constant work, and of constantly getting broken by God on certain aspects of our life.
But now on to the main argument you so honestly bring forth: ugliness to the eyes of the flesh. Yes, yes, you know that God made you in a marvelous way (Ps 139,14), but you don’t understand why you don’t have the beauty traits that the world so desperatedly seeks (sigh- sometimes even the christian world, but please indulge this flaw, as I said, without a constant vigilance our heart is the same old heart, and pray to forgive us if a christian context made you feel uneasy about this subject). God called you into this world, with your specific characteristics because that was the best course of actions possible to obtain the ultimate best result (God does not come up with half-good solutions, even in desperate times His actions are always directed for the best possible outcome, in the best possible time); yes, you never asked to come into this world or to have the physical traits you now possess but, and let me disappoint you a little here, you’re not in this world for yourself, for your happiness, or for your desires. That’s what Satan wants you to believe, and what the whole world pursues, with great deal of damage to every heart as result. The place for happiness is anothe one, and God is in it. You are as you are in this world because God set a purpose for you, perfectly fitting yourself, even if you don’t understand it yet. Jesus himself was not “pleasant to our eyes” either (Isaiah 53,2 talks about Him): here, through scripture, the Spirit of God is basically saying that the other person of the Trinity came into this world in a not so good-looking body, and if He says it, you can bet it’s true. Still, Jesus’ purpose required this “specifics”; Saul, a handsome and tall man, was not the saviour of Israel, but a man called by God to be king mainly for his appearance (spoiler: Saul, by the choices he made afterwards, did not perform too well in his reign).
I want you now to imagine yourself in the days of Saul, as a young small pastor, the last son of your father, among seven other brothers, stronger and taller than you. You are not the best-looking guy in the room, one would say, nor even in the kingdom, because the standard of beauty now is Saul, the strong king, definetely taller than any other person in the kingdom. Still, you don’t let this thought bring you down and stick to God every day, and who cares about the opinions of other people? They are only talking based on appearance, after all. You pass every day normally doing your job with your father’s flock, perhaps thinking why you don’t look like the king, and then coming back to God, shutting the door to these thoughts of mere appearance, until one day you find a strange man sitting at a table with your family, and he suddenly starts talking to you about the need of a new king over Israel. Your name is David, by the way.
This little and exaggerated story (we don't actually know how David considered himself; it was just to address that he had not the standard appearance of a king, as God will tell to Samuel, sent to anoint him) was just to say that we should not be angered with God because we would have preferred being born different, (after all, how could a pot say to the potter: “why did you make me this way?”) nor even that we should see the reality as the world sees it, because let’s face it: the world only sees the appearance, and rejects everyone that does not conform to its canon, even in the slightest thing.
If you could change yourself completely in order to be as pretty as the world wants you to be, rest assured that after an hour or less you will be found ugly in another small detail, leading you to the same conditions you are in now, for such is the condition of the “beautiful” people the media show us without ceasing. Don’t be fooled, the world thirsts for perfection in a crooked way, and its desire is unsatiable, don’t consume yourself over the altar of beauty for a world that doesn’t love you, nor will ever be able to.
Dont’ struggle to change your looks beyond what is normally desirable (which in my opinion means being as clean and fit as possible without overdoing, again more for your health than your looks), struggle instead to change the eyes through which you see.
The first thing that Satan did to us was to poison Eve’s vision to make her see the forbidden fruit as good-looking. The fruit was not good looking when the first men stood with God. What do you expect to happen in a world that is literally ruled by Satan? The poisoning of the eyes is the norm: everything is good if it seems good to you, if you are not perfect no one will ever want you, and so forth. A great set of lies that shouldn’t be the rule, and that we christians should be battling to expose, but still we are tempted to believe them because everything and everyone yells them at us.
Stick with God, reject the pleasure of the eyes and flesh, which seems good looking and reassuring but is only able to fake love and to poison even more your eyes, stop looking at what you are not, dreaming to be someone else, start looking at what you are, not offending yourself (and so God), but plainly ask God “what do you want me to do with this earthly body you gave me?” and wait faithfully, for the answer will come, ask repeatedly if needed. I’m asking a sacrifice of you, I know, and I acknowledge that my words may sound harsh, and not at all comforting. But there is Someone else sent to comfort us, and He Will not fail in His role if you let Him “move upon the face of the waters” of your life.
Just to address something I read in your message: nowhere is written that we will have nationalities or races in heaven, so you can relax! What it is written though, is that we’ll have a glorified body (I suppose looking like how God sees us in Christ, we can’t even imagine how beautiful), and that we’ll be like angels. No filipinos, latinos, hebrews or italians there.
May God bless you, and answer all of your questions.
@@gioeleravarotto201 Hello brother or sister before I read what you put here I want to say thank you for taking the time to read my very long note here and for being kind and helpful to share your response which to me just by looking at it, looks that you took your time for someone like me. Very thankful. Now I will read it !
Has anyone told you brother you have a gift for writing. I myself love to write too. But my writing is not refined yet and many grammatical errors or not many words to fully convey my thoughts. But I'm so pleased with your writing too me. It runs very deep and meaningful. I understand what you mean and I also love your writing on top of it. I will do what you want me to shift my eyes on. This is a good piece of work I'm thankful. Would be nice to see more of this response brother very eye opening. I never saw it in Christian context I read. You nailed it dissecting my questions and answering them right on the spot. May you do more? Very blessed ill have to save this and read it constantly when this thoughts take me captive again. You are right also not even those who have godliness in them can be as holy as God so when I said there's people who are beautiful on the outside and beautiful and godly on the inside it is inaccurate because we all still fail even David did, Moses, Paul, etc. Please pray for me. This time in my life I don't want to be ruled by what people think of me, and by coveting, jealous, envy towards other women, and towards sexual sin. I want to move forward with my life and I'll make that step today.
I thank you for your kindness, and God for giving me the words I wrote, to Him all the glory! I will surely pray for you, because I can relate with what you've been through, as surely many others besides us can. The intent of Satan is to make us feel ugly and steal from us the courage to admit to others how we feel. Glad your courage wasn't took away. Keep up the writing dream, you never know what God will make of your skills. Have a nice day, for in the Philippines it should be early morning I reckon, supposing you write from there.
🙌🥰
"How the Lottery Preys on the Poor"
Oh indeed kind Sir. For there are few evils that are worse than lottery's, gambling and begging for money, etc. IE:
Jesus told us that we ARE to give. He never told us to beg; or to want what we don't have. Because it is NOT necessary. He proved that beyond a doubt; when He did this:
1. Luke 9:13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. Luke 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. Luke 9:16 Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. Luke 9:17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
Later, Jesus did this again:
2. Matthew 15:36 Jesus took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. Matthew 15:37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. Matthew 15:38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
And Jesus also said this:
3. Matthew 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
I believe that Jesus did this SO: we would NEVER have to beg or want things; that we do not have. Rather: ALWAYS pray to Jesus for our needs and wants. And NEVER want or beg from ANY other source ever.
Now...IF we want or think we need things; that Jesus deems we should not have; He will NOT answer our prayers. Oh indeed. Amen!
Thus: NO one should EVER, moan, beg, ask for things, play lotteries or gamble; in ANY way known; from any source except, Jesus. This includes ALL charities; for most of them are guided by satan; instead of Jesus. Oh indeed yes.
For Jesus will never put us on a limb and cut the limb off. Praise His Holy Name...But I tell you this: satan WILL! AND...in a New "WOKE" City minute!!
End of Story, and I rest me case...
...In any case kind Sir, Please Pray OFTEN and Praise Jesus OFTEN; for He is the ONLY true "God Almighty"; there will ever have been. And may Jesus bless you and yours always. AMEN!
@pat dee, Amen! And woe, woe, woe if He DOES give us what we THINK we want; only to find out it wasn't at all what we really wanted. Ouch!
@@DixieDee Amen, amen and AMEN!
Well I guess I am screwed and going to hell. Well my entire family. We’re all gamblers. Old saying everything in life is a gamble and faith is the biggest gamble of all. When I go to a casino or buy a ticket, I am buying a chance of something. I never get into a bad situation. You always make anything that is fun a sin.It’s only a sin if not done in moderation. What you are doing is telling people to gamble their very lives in a being nobody has ever seen.
God gives us faith, and He answers our prayers according to His love and righteousness - God is real and faith in Him is not a gamble, for He does His work and displays His glory through the manifestation of His Word in our life. if that is not real to you, then what exactly do you believe in the first place? God with us - it is not a motto, but a reality for all who believe in God. If I were to play a game of chance of going heaven or hell in the afterlife, I would never become a Christian, to begin with.
"You always make anything that is fun a sin." - to be precise, not every 'fun' thing is of sin, but I am under the impression that you find something inappropriate 'fun'.
"It’s only a sin if not done in moderation." - actually, that very phrase has been used by so many people when they invite the sin into their life. Alcoholics started to drink 'moderately' also.
@@Mimu1983 people like you and piper who always b@tch as well as the government who are against gaming always preach that’s same red herring that god would provide well guess what I yet to see a sandwich come from the sky and into my hands. You always talk about there needs more money for programs,yet when the time comes to put your money where your mouth is all of you bailed out.
@@gregorymckinney666 I do actually play computer games - again, not every entertainment is a sin, but self-justifications always led people to sin. I do not know where you are from, but 'the government' would not mind about those fun things as long as the taxes are paid AND no dead body is found. Apparently, God did not drop sandwiches from heaven for me to eat; but He did provide me with good people who made (or will make) lunches (or dinners even) for me, or money to buy food. Even when God gave the Israelites manna, the Israelites had to go and collect manna so they could cook it - things are not what you imagine to be.
Concerning the money thing you said - I am perplexed here. God always provides. He gave me enough money to sustain, and even more, so that I may make offerings (though never enough for His glory and grace). If you think of me as a pastor or a 'church worker', you are wrong. I do not ask for money from others - I am the one who gives. I may give because God has provided me. I pray that I would offer more to God the Father, for He has given me much.
@@Mimu1983 people like piper don’t want anyone to have anything but him and others live like rock stars despite what he says about the prosperity gospel. I never recall any priest or so called pastors who I believe is the cheapest title in all religion because anyone can remember a few scriptures and call themselves pastor because they have no schooling in theology.
@@gregorymckinney666 Not exactly. That is your own sense of justification, again. People receive different gifts; for pastors, they will (and ought to) receive the Word of God so they will work and live as the messengers of God. For some, they shall receive wealth while some others may receive specialized skills - all to serve the Lord. Why the Prosperity Gospel is so damning? It does not glorify God - and those people want God to give them money as they 'pay' for their good fortunes; they are being deceived while they themselves deceive. On the other hand, people are 'equally' being deceived when they speak of having little somehow related to the holiness in life. God will give little to those who may go sinning if they have plenty, while God will give much to some others, ACCORDING TO His love and righteousness. That is how God sustains His people while holding them away from sin.
I value good pastors, not because of who they are, but what they are tasked to do. You have erred here again because there are some who have actually studied theology at proper seminaries, just like John Piper. He may not be a 'perfect' pastor, but he has been doing his work all these years, with fruits. You need to see the fruits of others to understand who they are.