April 2026
Issue 241

Getting money and God right: Your lightbulb moment

As single people, we're especially vulnerable to using money in unwise ways. After all, nobody monitors us. We can pretty much spend as we please, sometimes piling up massive credit card debt in the process.

But what does God have to do with money? God knows we need money to live, and nowhere does the Bible tell us to live like hermits, eking out a penny-pinching, miserable existence.

Single friend, this month's feature article explains the perspective Jesus wants us to have toward money and toward God. When you finally grasp this principle, it absolutely will affect your life in a way that will bring a lightbulb moment of enlightenment.

This is not hype. It happened in my own life, and I want it for you.

Please take your time and study the attitude of getting money and God right.

Did I get it right?

Was it all about chasing after my dreams?
Was it piling up money with all kinds of schemes?
Was it standing on top and enjoying the height?
Of all that I did, did I get it right?

What matters most when it's said and done?
Being rich or famous or nonstop fun?
Is there an answer in black and white?
Is there some way to know, "Did I get it right?"

One voice speaks out above the rest,
and solves the mystery of this quest.
He dispels the worry and calms the fright,
"Here is how to get it right.

"Love your God, on him depend.
Love your neighbor, be their friend.
Read your Bible, seek its light.
That is how to get it right."

The Savior cleanses you from sin,
He calls you to be born again.
Believe in him, give up the fight.
Do that and you've got it right.

~ Jack Zavada, inspiration-for-singles.com, 2026 ~

Debt makes you a slave

Unreal money leads to real debt. We get into debt for a hundred different reasons, but one of the most insidious is buying things we can't afford. Credit cards encourage us to do that. Before you know it, you're a debt-slave. As the interest piles up, so does the worry.

Are you caught in this vicious cycle? It takes a change of mind to break the chains of debt. Here are some ideas on that common problem.

What if you could be hopeful—stubbornly hopeful?

• Hopeful every day?
  
• Tiny scraps of hope remaining?
  
• Very rarely hopeful?
  
• Given up hope?

The single life can be a wrecking ball as far as our hope is concerned. After 40 years of being battered, I came to a life-transforming belief:

Stop hoping in your own abilities. Stop hoping in friends or relatives to bail you out, and stop hoping for the world around you to finally recognize your worth. Don't put your hope in luck, chance, or fate to make things better.

You may snort and say God has let you down too. But I believe I can change your mind about that with my book Hope for Hurting Singles.

Spiritual maturity doesn't come as an instant download. In Hope for Hurting Singles, I do the next best thing. I cover the common mistakes in thinking we unmarrieds make. It's a smart way for you to avoid painful consequences in the future.

You'll also discover lessons every single needs to know. Christ is our model and guide. When you look to him, you'll make wise decisions that lead to a more fulfilling life.

If you're feeling hopeless—or cynical or smug—Hope for Hurting Singles is for you. It will put you on the path to hardheaded, realistic hope, hope in The God Who Cares.

It's $10.99 in paperback and $3.99 for the Kindle version, from amazon.com.

Are you having an endloader moment?

It's not funny. You don't get one crisis solved and another comes thundering down on you. You wonder, "Why can't these things be spaced out more so I have time to cope with one before the next one happens?"

Easter afternoon my nephew and I were talking about how the world seems absolutely crazy right now. As if we don't have enough to handle in our personal lives, everything around us is chaos too.

Vacations are good, even mini-vacations of only an afternoon or evening can help. But as is the case with much in the single life, we find ourselves asking, "Why?"

Here's my theory on why life is so hard.

April QOTM: Attitude matters

Money is a frustrating thing. If you have enough, you rarely think about it, but if you don't have enough, it's all you can think about.

Is the solution to have more money or to get your attitude toward money straight, as Dr. Graham said? Billionaires give the impression that money can solve every problem. As Jesus pointed out, they can't buy their way into heaven (Luke 12:16-21). A Teach yourself to live beneath your means. I know it's possible because I do it. You'll be more contented and grow closer to God.

The power of choice opens new possibilities

We don't have to respond to hurt in the same old self-destructive way. We don't have to follow the same thinking that led us only to dead ends in the past. We can, with the help of God, see ourselves through new eyes.

You do have a choice, you know. I found, through many painful years of trial-and-error, that I can pick a better way. I decided that better way is God's way.

The great thing about choosing his way is that he's eager to help you when you step onto that path. Never underestimate the help of God.

The first step is accepting that you're no longer bound to the old choices. If it's scary to change, isn't it? That's why most people don't. But they don't ask God to help.

Find out just what God is offering you with the power of choice.

A Truth for you to consider…

About 35 years ago I came across something I'd like you to consider. Think about this for a few weeks, maybe even a few months, and see if it makes sense to you.

I was reading the Bible one day and read John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"(ESV) Those of us who believe the Bible accurately records the words of Jesus see this claim and wonder whether Jesus was speaking metaphorically or literally. I believe he was revealing one of the most important facts about himself.

What can we draw from Jesus' claim to be "THE truth?" First, everything about him is true: his words, his actions, his character. Second, as God, he is the Source of all truth. Only right wisdom comes from him. Third, the true meaning and purpose of life are found in him. Fourth, he is the only being who can legitimately claim to embody the truth, and fifth, his truthfulness ensures he is the true way to the Father and to true eternal life.

This matters to us singles. When life is a confusing mess, Jesus is a trustworthy beacon of hope. When pain overwhelms us, Jesus is the only thing that makes sense. When we need a truth to rely on every day, in every circumstance, Jesus is that truth.

Please think about this, single friend. And remember, this also means Jesus' love for you can't be anything but true.

Your most important activity…

Here are the requests for April:

Natalie: Freedom from pride, anger, despondency, shame and depression.

Dawn: Peace, calm, direction.

Lisa: Physical healing for her brother.

Jenny: Emotional healing.

Cherlyn: Physical and emotional healing.

If you have a prayer request or want to comment on this newsletter, use our secure Contact Form. and I'll reply to you personally. No stinky AI bots here, pal.

I hope you enjoyed the April Inspire-O-Gram. I tried to give you plenty to think about, but never forget, first and foremost, that Jesus is always on your side!

Watch your inbox for the Inspire-O-Gram in May, when yours truly turns the big 75! Yowsa!

Until then,

PS: Not a Christian yet? Find out how to become a Christian.