Text: 1 Timothy 6:7-10
Memory text:
“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Recently, it was reported how a student used his school fees and also that of a friend to gamble online and lost the money. As the pressure built up, being unable to pay his registration fee and was about to miss his first-semester examination, he committed suicide.
At its core, gambling is designed like entertainment, a game of chance, but it involves risking money or valuables on an event with an uncertain outcome in hopes of winning more. Unlike most other games, where the objectives are to have fun, learn, compete, or exercise, gambling is to win money or valuables. The scriptures warn against quick money, money gained hastily or obtained from nothing but commends wealth made little by little or from hard work. Proverbs 13:11 (NASB) says, “Wealth obtained from nothing dwindles, But one who gathers by labor increases it.” The NLT puts it like this: “Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.” The LSB says, “Wealth obtained from empty effort dwindles…”. Gambling promises quick money and without labour. Ignoring God’s instructions gives the enemy a foothold over you (Eph 4:27). God’s counsel, that is, His Word, principles, and instructions, provides covering, order, and protection. When someone chooses to act against it, he or she steps outside of that covering, creating space for demonic destructive influences. Jesus said, satan “…has no claim on Me [no power over Me nor anything that he can use against Me];” (John 14:30 AMP).
Gambling, being driven by the desire to “get rich quick” feeds greed and covetousness. The lust for money brings temptations and traps, and it is the fastest path to self-destruction. “…Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” (1 Tim 6:9-10 MSG).
Friends, gambling contradicts the principles of the scriptures. It is based on luck, and it promotes trust in chance instead of God; covetousness instead of contentment. It promises good but delivers financial losses, fear, guilt, shame, disgrace, and despair. Gambling attracts curses, not blessings. If you are involved in it, repent today and seek for godly counsel on how to stand; and if you are not, share it with someone.

Prayer points
1. Father, I renounce any hidden love for money in my heart, and I embrace contentment and godliness, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, please open the eyes of all Your children who are blinded by gambling and deliver all who desire to be free from its bondage, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. Gambling has no power over my life; I walk in contentment and self-control through the Spirit of God. The love of money shall not rule me.
2. My joy and my hope are not tied to games of chance but to the unshakable promises of God. I will not covet quick riches, but I will prosper by God’s wisdom and diligent hands.