Good morning.

This is the song I felt for today.

May I ask, is there anyone out there that has ever played poker?

As many of us know, there was a song many years ago from Kenny Rogers, “The Gambler.”

Before someone with a religious spirit corrects me, for using this particular teaching, just hear me out.

Some have a ‘poker face‘ that plays the game and some don’t.

Dictionary: Poker Face (noun) (A face lacking any interpretable expression, as that of an expert poker player. An impassive facial expression cultivated to prevent other players from determining whether one’s actions in the game are the result of a quality hand, or of bluffing.
Any similar expression used to prevent giving away one’s motives, feelings, or situation.)

If they do, they can put on that ‘poker face‘ so no one will read the cards they are actually holding.

The game depends on it to win!

In the song, it says you got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them… know when to walk away and when the deal is done, etc…

We as Christians must look then for the ‘tell‘ so to speak with people, the give away.

Wikipedia: “A tell,” in poker is a change in a player’s behavior or demeanor that is claimed by some to give clues to that player’s assessment of their hand. A player gains an advantage if they observe and understand the meaning of another player’s tell, particularly if the tell is unconscious and reliable. Sometimes a player may fake a tell, hoping to induce their opponents to make poor judgments in response to the false tell. More often, people try to avoid giving out a tell, by maintaining a poker face regardless of how strong or weak their hand is.

You must know how to spot it! When someone is trying to bring discord, don’t allow it.

We need strength as brothers and sisters in Christ to even walk away when need be, sometimes.

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18.

Remember also the Bible tells us:

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19.

Sure love everyone!

Just don’t allow anyone to disturb our peace and bring division.

We must keep a healthy balance.

People are often hurting, bitter and disillusioned.

Life may have dealt some pretty severe blows!

Help and love always, but just know what is emotionally healthy in the spirit for both them and us.

In another Note, I addressed how we don’t need to be a crutch, but a hand up!

I’m enclosing it again if you feel like reading.

“It Is Our Choice — but Yes — Their Choice Also“

 

Our life needs to be balanced and as I often say, we need to stay focused. I am walking this pathway with you and sure haven’t arrived yet!

As Christians, we just need to flow in the spirit and be Obedient each step of the way.

That is why I chose this song at the beginning, “Trust and Obey.”

God bless you all.

 

~ Joyce D. McGuire

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My name is Joyce D. McGuire, called to work in and for the Kingdom of God! To lead we must try to follow Jesus Christ closely. That is my heart. I am a Chaplain to the prisons; prophetic intercessor by His grace; author; and a Mother in the Kingdom of God. To many I am simply Mama Joyce. Some favorite verses of mine are Matthew 11:28-30.

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