Brethren, I welcome us all to the last Sunday in the month of August. Of a truth this month has really being very challenging to many financial wise and in other ways that are not really peculiar to one person alone. One evident is in the current price of cryptocurrencies... same it is in the real world. We are all in this together.
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Many have resulted to other means to augment their income in order to meet up with the present financial needs. Unfortunately, some have taken a downward dive in moral, social, and spiritual conscience to meeting their ever rising needs through Gambling and Usury
The word "Gambling" isn't new to us, so I will only make attempt to give the meaning of "-Usury-"
According to Wikipedia
What is the biblical definition of usury?
Usury (/ˈjuːʒəri/) is, as defined today, the practice of making unethical or immoral monetary loans that unfairly enrich the lender. Originally, usury meant interest of any kind. A loan may be considered usurious because of excessive or abusive interest rates or other factors.
The bible is very clear on this issue:
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil
1 Timothy 6:10
The glamour of "getting rich quick" and "money must be made by every means" is too great a temptation to resist tin the face of economic hardship and for those who are desperate.
Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 13:11
Aside from the economic hardship, the basic drive behind gambling is greed and laziness. Some are just too greedy and impatient to gather little by little. Some just want to take undue advantages to rub other and enrich themselves.They have forgotten that little is much when God is in it.
Almost anywhere you go nowadays, you have a chance to gamble. On your computer you can get into internet gambling. What would the bible say about casinos, pools and betitings of all form and kinds? These are modern day words for usury which has been perfected by the devil to entice many as a temporarily means of escape to financial struggles.
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
Proverbs 10:1
Finally brethren, I will conclude with Proverbs 21:5
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty short-cuts lead to poverty and eternal damnation.
I pray for you today, that God will open your eyes, hearts and minds to the good visions of holy means of livelihood in Jesus' name... (AMEN!)