Yes, sister, this is a subject that Satan uses to steer us away from God and no one is exempt from his temptations. Satan always makes the lottery look fun, exciting and promising. That's why people get hooked on it so easily. It's fun and Satan always makes things we shouldn't do against God, look like fun. Yet it brings them ruin, in the end.

I understand where you're coming from. That is a hard decision at times, when we're hurting so much, but I'm glad you leaned to your wisdom and knowledge in the Lord and followed His Word. We're not to gamble, but rely only on the Lord, who gives blessings to those who trust him, and I know you do. The same thing goes for looking to the stars for direction in life, instead of God. The Lord said 'do not look to the stars for guidance in your life.' People rely on horoscopes or guidance from the stars, but God said not to do that, as that is a form of witchcraft. He said it. It's not something I took off the top of my head. He wants us to depend on him, to take the straight and narrow path; not because he wants to control us, but because he loves to give his children good things and loves to help them. And because he knows it can lead to big problems down the line, when we get off the path he has given us, and he wants to protect us from lots of things we may not be aware of. He does not accept greediness. In fact he does direct people to help the poor and widowed. But that has to come from the heart. Not just because one thinks they're supposed to.

He wants to help us. I'm the same as you. I have to wait before I can have certain things that I feel I need. It's not about selfish wants, but things we really need. And you're right. Money is not evil, but the Bible says the love of money, is what is evil.

When people have too much money, they sometimes are all wrapped up in the money and how they can use it or spend it, instead of depending or even focusing on God. It depends on the person and what they know about God and the Bible.

Money actually takes our mind off of God. It can keep us separated from God and take him even out of our minds. Satan wants our minds to be led away from Christ and from doing things for him. This is why he puts all these obstacles in our way. And he always makes them look attractive though he won't tell you the consequences. That's where he gets people.

I'm real proud of you for resisting temptation. That's not easy for anyone, whether saved, or not. But you did the right thing and God will bless you for it. ❤🫂🙏🙏🙏 God bless you, sister.

Our riches are in heaven, already waiting for us. That's not why we follow Christ, for rewards, but it is a blessing God gives us, anyway. There are no substitutes for Christ. The riches of this world are like a paper rose; fake and never lasting. People can't take their mansions or fancy cars, boats, condos, or anything else with them. Not even money. Our riches are in heaven, because Jesus is there and He is our greatest treasure and joy. Only he can give peace that passes all understanding through Christ Jesus, who saved our soul. We can lose everything else in this world but if we lose our soul, we've lost everything, and that can never be recovered. We have hope and glory to look forward to...going to be with Jesus in heaven. We have everything we need in Jesus. For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul? Mark 8:36
Sin is definitely not worth losing one's own soul, over. That is, choosing sin over Christ. Those who are not saved to begin with.

I love you, sister. I have no doubt you'll be in heaven, and I can't wait to meet you there. I'll meet you perhaps on the corner of Glory Avenue and Hallelujah Square. 😂 I look forward to it.