Lent is coming

In a little more than two days the Lenten season will be upon us.  During which time I will be embarking on what I call the Addict's Cleanse.  To help you understand what I mean by the Addict's Cleanse let me tell you a little bit about my recovery.  I found as I was recovering from one addiction, instead of finding true recovery, I would, instead, replace the old addiction with a new addiction.  Alcohol with caffeine, drugs with tobacco, sex with work.  This should not be a surprise, because the experts at Harvard University tells us, all addictions operate in the same place in the brain.  They further tell us, rather than simply saying no - we need to yes to positive things in our lives, like God.  The Addict's Cleanse is about removing all these substances and behaviors and focusing on God.

The Addict's Cleanse is about removing not just one primary addiction, but all addictive forces from our lives, for the period of lent.  The eight forces that I will be removing from my life during this time, in no particular order:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Drugs (prescription & non-prescription)
• Gambling
• Food Addiction: (Caffeine and Sugar)
• Sex & Porn
• Shopping
• Work

Of course, this not an exhaustive list. I deliberately chose eight so I could create a consistent focus during this time.  A focus that would allow me to, not only re-shape my life, but discuss one force every day.  Discuss the victims, the realities, and pray for the recovery of the victims and our society from these horrible forces that tear us apart.

Generous God, in Jesus you have given us our first and best love.  We confess that we often forget that first love and pursue others.  We seek pleasures that don't last,  we chase dreams that disappoint, and we place out hopes in things that cannot satisfy.  Forgive us.  This lent we return to you, our first love.  Please welcome us back, despite our mistakes and sins, and help us live faithfully and joyfully to you.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Thanks for letting me share.