By Dave & Sandy Goede
Psalm 16 is a confession of trust that God Himself is the source, security, and fulfillment of life—now and beyond death. It expresses what it means to live a God-centered life marked by loyalty, joy, and hope.
John 3 teaches that entry into God’s kingdom requires a Spirit-given rebirth, made possible by God’s love through Jesus Christ, and received by faith rather than earned.
Psalm 16 tells us that God is worthy of our ultimate trust and hope. Life ordered around God brings joy and stability that extends beyond this life. John 3 reveals how such a life becomes possible through the entry into God’s kingdom. Our entry into God’s Kingdom requires a Spirit-given rebirth, made possible by God’s love through Jesus Christ, and received by faith rather than earned—resulting in life that begins now and lasts forever.
Throughout our life we are encouraged to be a productive member of society. Our productivity is evident by our possessions such as a car that is loaded with all of the latest accessories or a house that is in the best neighborhood. In our careers, our productivity is measured by our continued rise on the corporate ladder and our title. As an educator in a university setting, I was driven to earn more “letters” after my name as this was seen supposedly as a source of pride and accomplishment. As we continued to chase these tangible rewards, we never felt fulfilled. As we have allowed God to enter our lives, we realized that everything we had been chasing was of this world. As we have learned through following God’s word, everything in this world is temporary. Since coming to know the Lord, through rebirth, our focus is now living a life that we have received through our faith in our Lord and Savior.
God of life,
You have loved us into a new birth through your Son.
Teach us to trust you as our refuge and joy,
By your Spirit, keep us walking in your light,
That we may know the joy of your presence—
Now and forever.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
A world without end.
Amen