Trust and Submit

Ah... how are things. I have had some fun, some quiet times away from the computer. I used to struggle with have QTs away from the computer and now it is... easier. And that is nice.
1st Corinthians 16:12-18
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

I wanted to point out that everything should be done in love. EVERYTHING. So, when I go to church, it is in love. When I go to the grocery store, it is in love. When I go to work, it is in love. Now, the reality is, it doesn't feel that way. I might go to work and HATE my job. But God blessed me with the job, a source of income to support my family.

And the idea is to submit to doing things in love, such as "devoting myself to the service of the saints". Now, I have studied out what a saint is... in the Catholic world, it is a person who is in stained glass at the top of the church... and you can pray to those saints, according to Catholism. However, the Bible says nothing of the thing, so I would suggest in not doing such actions. A saint is a disciple. A saint is a follower of Christ. And I think one thing to understand is get a definition of "follower" and "devoted"... because without a true understanding of these words, you can't get a true understanding of the things in question.

Follower (noun):

• One that imitates or copies another.
• A servant; a subordinate.
• A person who follows another in regard to his or her ideas or belief; disciple or adherent.
• A person who accepts the leadership of another.

Disciple (noun):

• Someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another.
• Teachable; easy to teach; docible.
• Disposed to be taught; tractable; easily managed.

Devoted (adj.):

• Zealous or ardent in attachment, loyalty, or affection.
• Faithful, constant, loyal.
• To give or apply (one's time, attention, or self) entirely to a particular activity, pursuit, cause, or person.

So to be devoted to following Christ and submitting myself to serve others... well, that would mean that I set myself apart and become loyal to imitating Christ. And by imitating Christ, I have to submit to whatever the Bible has to say. And should I do this, I would be serving others. I would be serving others to constantly, faithfully, and with a zeal and affection. Are you doing this? It's a tough idea, isn't it.

Well, we gave special yesterday. It was the second time that we gave special at the time specified. We also did it last year, if I am not mistaken. What I do know is that it is a great feeling to be able to give like that. I don't think I can really put down words that capture the feeling, but there is a joy and gladness in there that you just have to experience to understand. Anyway, Johnny Out.

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