Mt. Rainier, WA 2007: Arianna walking in the truth of childhood--exploring, creating, laughing, appreciating, tolerating and sharing--all at the foot of a majestic snow-capped mountain while wearing Florida attire. There is no greater joy for her dad than to watch all of this.
From Trent Ling:
First, let’s get me out of the way. I am amply supplied. Really! Philippians 4:18. I don’t deserve anything, but God has overdone it in every way when it comes to me. Really! Because of Christ (and only because of Christ), the unattainable righteousness requirements God has of me have been fully met, though I am the worst of sinners. Really! Romans 8:3-4. I am not in want in any way. Really! Psalms 23:1. This shocks all sensibilities given that I legendarily spent the first 25 years of my daily life constantly, and even painstakingly, in want. Really! These weirdnesses often leave me confusingly regarded by others as unknown; though I remain an open book and am entirely known. Really! 2 Corinthians 6:9. The bible, and only the bible, unravels and explains all of this. Really!
With no needs or wants, what am I to do?
The bottom line of what I have to share today is that “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John :4. There is nothing for me to seek, obtain, consider, or conquer. I simply want others to obtain and enjoy life that is truly life. I have both physical and spiritual children and “I (do) very gladly spend for (them) everything I have and expend myself as well.” 2 Corinthians 12:15. With nothing left to do or to get, “everything (I) do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.” 2 Corinthians 12:19. There is nothing to read between the lines with me. It’s all about you. You’re the one who matters.
I have instructed a great many people in the Lord. When any of them shares “good things” with me, I am encouraged for them on two fronts: 1) that they are living Galatians 6:6 as they should, even though it would have been easier for them not to have bothered; and 2) that they may get on, and stay on, the narrow road of Christ, ultimately enjoying the sweetest of fellowship in the needlessness available only in Jesus.
There is no greater joy for me than merely hearing that my children are walking that glorious road all the while being tested and proven genuine. I marvel at my brothers, sisters and children in the faith who are really living it, and thereby providing my greatest joy hour by hour.
Despite already being and having enough in Christ, I remain bold and foolish enough to be on the lookout always for others with the kind of heart, calling, and destiny to walk in the truth and contribute to this “No Greater Joy” parade. There’s always room for more!
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