Greetings, brothers and sisters of Christ and children of God,

Two men sit around a poker table looking at their cards intently. The other players have bowed out, as the stakes had gone too high for them and they did not want to take the chance of losing what they had. They were afraid to let it go. The two men continued to look at each other and at the cards they held. One play was left, and one of them made the bold decision to say, “I’m all in.” The cards were then laid on the table and…..

The rest of the story you can complete in your mind as to how it ends. If you are wondering why I am beginning this encouraging word about something many would say is wrong and sinful, and I am referring to gambling, I will explain more in a moment, but let me first say this; money is not the sin, but the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils (1 Timothy 6:10). Gambling is also not a sin, but can lead to all sorts of evils that can cause one to wander from the faith and be left with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:11). To gamble one should maintain self-control, which is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Gambling can become an addiction, like anything else, and can ruin a life or lives, by becoming our master if we let it. Scripture says we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24).

Now, the meaning of our story, “I’m all in.” That phrase essentially means that one is fully committed and invested in a situation, task, or relationship. To be all in, you must surrender something or give up something. In the case of our story, the man pushes all of his money into the middle of the table, taking the chance of winning it all or losing it all.

How committed are you to God? Are you all in? Have you taken that chance, or are you willing to take that chance and go all in with a relationship with God? Before you answer that question, let me share one more thought. A man was brutally beaten to the point of barely walking, and then for hours hung on a tree. In his final moment, he says, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” 

(Luke 23:46). Jesus breathed his last breath and died for you and me. In the game for our eternal souls, Jesus said, “I’m all in” and gave up everything for you and me. He surrendered his life for you and your sins.

Are you willing to say, “I’m all in”? To say that does not promise you an easy road through life. It only promises eternal life. The stakes are high, but if you match what Jesus committed to, then you will win the greatest hand of all time. It may be a nail-scarred hand, but it can still save you if you just surrender it all to Him.

Last week, the little lambs learned about independence and freedom as we reenacted a form of the Boston Tea Party and talked about the birth of our nation and how, through Christ, we are free from our sins. This week, we will begin learning about the Epistles and focus on some of the people Paul was close to and wrote to. So often, we do not think about the short letters, but there is a lot to unpack and learn from them, too.

I look forward to worshipping with you tomorrow and praising the Master with songs of joy and dancing before Him who chose to go all in. If for some reason I do not see you, may the Lord bless you with joy, love, peace, and may He comfort you, heal you, and guide you when you need it.

God bless you,

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (Mr. Michael)