Good-Time God - Martin Wiles

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. Psalm 4:6 NLT

Their good times certainly didn’t appear good.

“Good Times” was an American sitcom that aired from 1974 to 1979. The show portrayed the lives of Florida and James Evans and their three children, all trying to survive life. The show’s name is ironic because their lives were anything but good.

James struggled to keep a job and bring in enough money to pay the bills. Florida was a stay-at-home Mom. One catastrophe after another hit the family, and they always wondered where the money was going to come from to meet the need. But Florida was a woman of faith and led by example, teaching the family to depend on God to meet their needs.

In spite of their rough times, the Evans’ family was normally happy. They took each challenge in stride and believed they were living the good times—even though others might question their definition of good.

The pagan worship that surrounded the nation of Israel promised a better time than sticking to worshiping one God, as Israel did. But they couldn’t deliver on the promise. Only the true God could show anyone good times.

A prevailing attitude for dissing Christianity is that you can’t be a Christian and have a good time. God has too many rules and regulations. How could anyone have a good time while trying to obey a bunch of rules?

But God’s rules are not designed to make life miserable, and don’t when seen in the proper light and obeyed for the right reason. His rules are given to make life better, not bitter.

The Evans’ family discovered true joy comes from the inside and isn’t determined by outward circumstances. God wants me to learn the same lesson. Happiness may depend on circumstances or possessions, but joy is steadfast because of Whom I’m connected to.

Christians can have a good time. I’ve seen them do it numerous times during my lifetime—and I myself enjoy life. The inward joy comes from knowing all is well between me and my Creator. The joy of forgiveness makes for good times. The joy of knowing God is with me through all things helps me endure and overcome discouragement, disappointments, and depression.

God is a God of good times—ones that are permanent and don’t depend on my or anyone else’s fickle nature. Don’t miss out on serving this good time God.

Tweetable: Are you enjoying God's good times? 

Prayer: Father, we thank You for offering us abundant good times when we love You with all of our hearts. 

Looking for a wide selection of genres in inspirational books at discount prices? Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's Word.

Life’s Unexpected Turns - Martin Wiles

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. James 4:14 NLT

When they got out of bed that morning, none knew their lives would end that day. 

The Pentagon Memorial commemorates the 184 people who were killed on American Airlines Flight 77 and inside the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Small illuminated concrete benches—representing each of the victims, are arranged so that reading a Pentagon victim’s name requires facing the Pentagon while reading a plane victim’s name requires facing the direction the plane was traveling. 

Regardless of their ages or life circumstances, none of the victims expected terrorists to board their plane and direct it into the side of the Pentagon. Nor did those working in the Pentagon expect a plane to enter their building. 

Morning fogs generally only hang around until the sun burns them away. My wife and I once flew out of August, Georgia, on our way to see friends in Denver, Colorado. Our flight was delayed because of a thick layer of fog blanketing the area. Though it seemed as if we waited forever, we were only delayed one hour. 

Life is like a fog. It doesn’t hang around long. Even if I’m one of the fortunate ones who lives into my nineties, my life is comparatively brief. What I need to do, I need to do now. The most important thing is to trust Christ as my Savior. But there are other things I don’t need to put off. Deciding to trust Christ will assure me of heaven, but I may be on earth for quite some time, so there are other decisions that affect my future here. 

When Jesus said He came to give abundant life, He wasn’t talking about life in heaven but rather life lived on earth. Obeying God’s commands and making serving Christ the centerpiece of my life will usher in a type of existence that everyone is searching for—but usually in the wrong places. 

Spending time on endeavors that will outlast my life just makes sense. I can leave behind articles and devotions on the web. I can leave behind spiritual journals. I can teach honorable trades or a Sunday school class. I can also leave an example that will affect my children, grandchildren, and others. But I only have a brief time to do it. Soon my life will lift like the fog.

Decide to do something that will outlive your brief life.

Prayer: Father, help us live each day with purpose so that when our short lives are over we can die satisfied that we served You and others well. 

Looking for a wide selection of genres in Christian books at discount prices? Use coupon MWiles for 20% off. Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.