Lent Day 4

Today's focus of Gambling today seems appropriate because I see more and more gambling in our culture.  Everyday on my way to work I pass two huge billboards that highlight the size that the superball jackpot has grown to.  It seems every time I pass it there's a seed in my mind that says,  "Wouldn't that be nice.  I could retire...and it's only a couple of bucks.  What's the harm?"  And that's how gambling addictions generally start.  Not only do I see a growth in these.  I see gambling in the stock market - people at work trying to hit it big on the latest technology - only to have their nest egg collapse as the next bubble bursts.  I think it's important that we don't put our hope in striking it rich, but something that really sustains, like God.  I also think it's important that we consider the addiction of gambling and its impact on our society and the people we love.

Today's Positive Action: Find some time today to exercise.  Spiritual health and physical health are connected.  It's very hard to enrich your spirit if your physical health suffers - and when your physical health is strong it becomes easier to be spiritually strong.  Ideally, exercise is strenuous and makes you sweat but it doesn't have to be.  It be as casual as a walk (or brisk walk) around the neighborhood, too.

Today's Focus: Gambling addiction is not just about the lure of Las Vegas.  Although, to be true that is part of it.  Gambling is also about sixty-eight year old women who play bingo every night, workers that spend their paychecks on lottery tickets, or college students who wage their student loans on stock market bets.  They are losing money that they can't afford to lose.  They believe all of the ads and the hype that say, "it only takes a dollar and a dream," and "you can't win if don't play."  Sometimes they hit a "jackpot" but that's usually followed by losses that wipe out the jackpot.  The hole that ends up following is usually more a nightmare than a dream.

Lord, there is temptation around every corner.  Heart pounding, adrenaline fueling, temptation.  Today I ask that you be with the gambling addicts.  Help them with these tempations.  Help them see that their hope in hitting the "jackpot" is a false hope that robs them.  It robs them of their money, time, and spirit.  Help them see their problem is not something they can control.   Have people in their lives, as examples of Your love and Your power, who can show them how to trust in You.  Have these people show them that a hope in you is one that is true and will lead them out of this hole.  Lead all of us addicts, not into temptation.  And deliver us, all of us addicts, from evil.  I am grateful that you have helped me avoid temptation and evil every day of this year's Lent.  Thank you, Lord.  AMEN.

Thanks for letting me share.