September 15, 2021 Issue #186

How to run your life: A smarter alternative

You can run your life based on the advice of others, or you can ignore their input and be your own boss. Both ways are risky.

This month's feature article lays out a different way to go. Sometimes it's scary, but in the end it's the most logical plan, and personally, I like logic. I also like that it adds adventure to my sometimes humdrum existence.

If things haven't worked out the way you wanted, take a few minutes and read this article. It will give you some pointers on a smarter way to run your life.

You can't get there from here

House, career, relationships;
we try with all our might.
But deep inside the ache's still there.
They cannot make us right.

Something's always missing;
we never are complete.
Every little victory
makes us feel bittersweet.
The peace on earth they promised us
is just a myth I fear.
You'll never find it in this life;
you can't get there from here.

You can't get there from here;
'cause nothing fills your soul.
No matter what quick fix you try,
it cannot make you whole.

You're longing for the Savior's touch;
the answer's crystal clear.
This world does not have what you need.
You can't get there from here.

Something's always missing;
we never are complete.
Every little victory
makes us feel bittersweet.
The peace on earth they promised us
is just a myth I fear.
You'll never reach it in this life;
you can't get there from here.

~ Jack Zavada, www.inspiration-for-singles.com, 2021 ~

Hope gets you out of bed in the morning

Hope for Hurting Singles can change that. It shows you how to anchor your hope in Jesus Christ and what He'll do for you.

Let's get real now. The hope of marriage doesn't cut it. The hope of career success isn't enough. Even the hope of a good time hanging out with friends is weak sauce.

Only Jesus can put a smile on your face and your feet on the floor when it's time to face the day. But how can you make him the focus of every aspect of your life? HOPE shows you how.

Author Jack Zavada took 40 years in the single life to excavate the principles in Hope for Hurting Singles, through the head-butting process of trial and error. You'll learn, step-by-step, how Jesus can give you hope in the midst of:

• Loneliness
  
• Depression
  
• Disappointment
  
• Bitterness
  
• Low self-esteem
  
• Anger
  
• Grief

What would it be like to have so much power and enthusiasm in your life that you jump out of bed in the morning? Get Hope for Hurting Singles and find out!

It's only $10.99 for paperback, $3.99 for Kindle version.

QOTM: God, working relentlessly for you

I have a couple experts working for me: a financial adviser who studies the stock market and economy; an accountant who's a whiz on the latest tax laws; and a doctor who runs tests and keeps me healthy. But none of them works relentlessly for my ultimate good. Only God does that.

You and I are going to die someday, but Jesus Christ has fixed that for people who believe in him as Lord and Savior. Our deaths will be a transition into eternal life, a beautiful existence with Him that never ends. In the meantime, through the Holy Spirit, God fortifies us through the toughest times in life.

God has his hand on your shoulder every single moment. He loves you so much he never lets you out of his sight. He's your all-powerful Protector until you're safe, home, with him.

Running from Jesus: We all do it

Why do we snub him like that? It's the same old problem. We human beings have an independent streak in us and think we can get along fine on our own. Until we can't. Then we run to Jesus and beg him to bail us out.

Most times we don't even do it deliberately. Life is going at roller coaster speed and we all take on more than we should. We forget who and what is really important.

Fortunately we have a God who knows us better than we know ourselves. And he forgives us.

Whether you're a Christian or not, here's what happens when you run from Jesus.

Quick survey: Do you want to get married?

Do you want to get married? (Yes or no)
What is your age?
What is your gender? (M or F)

To make your response anonymous, just omit filling out your email address and name on the form. I'll publish the results in the October Inspire-O-Gram. The more people who participate, the better. And if you'd like to add any comments after answering the three questions, feel free to do so. Thanks!

Sometimes I run across something on the 'Net that's so great I want to share it. Here's a list of 25 web sites to learn new skills for f'ree!. I'm a big believer in lifelong learning. I'm currently studying three DVD courses from The Great Courses Company. There are more learning opportunities than ever before. Take advantage of them!

That's it for this issue, single friend. I hope you found something helpful. With all the craziness going on in the world, it's comforting to be a friend of our trustworthy God. He's always right and he loves you passionately. Keep that thought in mind as you go about your day. Thank you for the privilege of visiting you every month.

Until October,

Jack Zavada

PS: Not a Christian? Find out how to become one!