Serving and Seeing
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:45

"I want to see!"
Mark 1o:51



My Take Aways

Something Old:
A person accepting Jesus as Savior on their death bed receives full rights and sonship of the Father. Let's keeping pray for our unsaved friends.

Something New:
"I want to see!" (I am shouting!) I love this ya'll. There are so many things that blind us. Open our eyes to see you LORD.

Something to Do:
Shout to the Lord, "I want to see!"



Here is the link to the Clorox Grant Contest. Search for Warriors. We are Metrolina Christian Academy but are listed under warriors.


10 Comments:

Blogger Michelle said...

Good morning, GIGs,

Wendy, travel mercies to you to Boone, and may you and Christie have a glorious weekend!!!

I'm a little behind on the posts and rushing to morning recess/bus duty on this coooold New England morning, but I have no commitments this afternoon and plan to catch up and post about servanthood.

Go Warriors - I hope you win the $50,000!!!

Have a blessed, 4:8 day, all.

Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England

Anonymous Lori said...

Wendy, yay – a fun girl’s weekend…enjoy!

You opened up, “I want to see!” to me. I thought of serving my extended family – and yes, sometimes, (sometimes a lot,) it is these people that I don’t especially want to serve, in love. I know God has placed these people in my lap, because, truly -I can’t do it in love –the only way I can is by clinging to Him, abiding in Him, and allowing the Spirit to love through me. But, getting back to your verse, I’m going to begin praying that, “I want to see!” (Luke 18:41). Lord, ‘I want to see’ these people through your loving eyes. You made them and placed me under their wing to make sure they are ok. Help me to have a burden in my heart, that swells with your loving kindness, as I care for them. Amen.

“rejoice always;
pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
(I Thes. 5:16-18).

Love you all! Lori

Blogger Joyful said...

Oh I do want to see!!! I want to see the Lord glorified in so many situations circling my life right now. I want to see His purpose and plan in so much that has touched my life. Most of all I want to see Him.

Thank you to those of you who prayed for me yesterday. Tests were done, and results might be in by Tuesday. Trying to hand my anxiety over to the Lord.

Also...some comments left here yesterday reduced me to tears. You are just so precious. Thank you for hugging my heart.

The one thing I will leave you with today is taken from the story of Zacchaeus. "So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way." Luke 19:4

What lengths would I go to in my pursuit of Christ? I've read of people who have literally "camped out" days before tickets become available for a concert or special event. Individuals wait for hours in lines to catch a glimpse of a Hollywood star. What would I do in order to "see" Jesus?

Will I wait hours in silence for Him to speak to me? Will I set the alarm earlier so that I can sit in His presence while the house is quiet, before anyone else awakens? Will I turn off the television to be in His Word? Will I pass on an invitation to go out if I haven't first gone away to a secluded spot with Him first? Will I plan and prepare supper a little earlier on Sunday evenings so my family and I can be back at church in time for the evening service at 6pm? What 'tree' do I need to climb?

Then, once I see Him, may I obey like Zacchaeus. God's Word says that Zacchaeus quickly climbed down. He wasted no time. His response to the call was immediate. I don't just want a brief encounter with Christ in passing, my view contained from a tree limb. After seeing Him I want to be walking by His side.

Lord, I pray that You will increase my longing for You. Just like the crowds threatened Zacchaeus's view, my life can be so full that it threatens to crowd You out of my view. Give me strength to climb whatever tree is necessary to see You. May I not be satisfied with 'general admission seating', but may I be found at Your feet, in Your presence, my eyes fixed on You.

Put on your hiking boots, and let's climb some trees today!
Joy

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I stand convicted today! My "love language" tends to be Acts of Service...so serving others comes naturally to me....except when serving my own family! Why is that so tough? Is it because sometimes I don't like them or I'm frustrated with them? Ouch! Service is not conditional.

Joy...your Zacchaeus post today was spot on! Why is it so difficult to get up, turn off the TV, etc...and choose my Savior first? Why do I, so many times, depend on the "fire insurance" and not go for the abundance? Lord, have mercy on me. Amen.

Morgen

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I also want to see! I can identify with Zacchaeus. Being short, it's difficult to see our the crowd, but climbing a tree would be difficult for me. Loved what you wrote about this passage, Joy. I just need to sit at HIS feet and spend quiet time with HIM. Pull the plugs: TV, Telephone, Computer. I need to "Be still", "Draw nigh to Him" for I know HE is right here with me. Yes, I want to see HIM daily and give HIM all worship and praise.
Joy, praying for your test results.
Thanks Wendy for opening up the Word today. Have a great time with Christie this weekend.
GO Warriors! See you're #2 today, but after all of the GIGs vote I know you'll be back on top.
Blessings everyone for a "Serving & Seeing" day.
Teeny

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you dear Wendy for your words today. Hope you have a great weekend! I was with my BFF all day yesterday, and it is so restorative.

Someone I was very close to had the opportunity for confession and forgiveness on his deathbed. I truly believe that the angels rejoiced and that he is in God's kingdom now. But before this his life had to have been a struggle-- living with the pain of his guilty conscience, pride, fear, the aftermath of people he had hurt. Was it worth living a life of pain?

The vineyard workers who were hired at the beginning of the day worked contentedly all day with the peace of mind that that they would have money to take home when they finished their work. They had security in their position and confidence that they would be taken care of.

What about the other workers who came along the way later? What kind of fears or insecurities were building up through the day-- suffering with the burden of how they would feed and clothe their families or pay their debts-- without any work? ...until the vineyard owner stepped in to give them hope. Isn't this mental anguish just as difficult, if not worse, than mere physical labor?

We who have Jesus and God's word are blessed with the security of His love and care no matter what. We need only try to do our work-- the obedience to the Father. We can feel peace and joy every day of our lives because of His grace.

The ones who confess in the end are rewarded with the same salvation that is for all, but only after paying a high price of spiritual suffering. They lived their lives of discord, with anxiety and fear, without knowing true peace.

I never could see the point of fairness in this scripture, but as I got older I learned how life does balance itself out. It is fair and especially kind for the vineyard owner to give each worker the same wage. Each worker paid some kind of price through the day in one way or another. I don't know the suffering and crosses that others endure. Who am I to judge? But for me, being obedient and living in God's word is a heavenly taste of the Kingdom of God here on earth, even before my eternal reward. What could be better?

About service. I have adopted a mantra for myself of "serving love." With everything and everyone I serve, I am striving to serve extra helpings of love on the side. Because it's the love that everyone really wants and needs! My job here in earth is to be a server of love!

Great to hear from you Dixie and Teeny, you keep us on our toes! Hope you are feeling better with every day. Dixie, I know your woman's group is destined to be extraordinary! Keep on keepin' on!

Have a great Friday!
Blessings and prayers for all,
Jacque

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi girls,

I haven't watched vlog or anything yet. I have a big prayer request. My mom is going on a trip to Jerusalem (her life's dream) next Friday. In the past month - she has been attacked with some kind of arthritis in her foot which has made preparing for her trip difficult. This morning she woke up with a cold. She is getting very discouraged and even talking about NOT going. I know this is the enemy trying to stop her from all the blessings God has in store. Please pray for healing and encouragement.

Also - still having tough times myself. I have made a doctor's appointment on Monday to see that now that I have weaned Elliot if there are any medication options to help deal with pain so I can sleep. Please keep me in your prayers Monday.

Thanks so much in advance,

Jodie from Ottawa

Blogger Rhonda said...

It’s Friday Everybody…

Have a great weekend Wendy!! I am so much looking forward to a little slower pace here soon and VERY soon. Brady’s last football game was last night…Wendy I have been at sporting events since last April…He had his last baseball tournament on a Sunday and then on that Monday football started. He tooooo is looking forward to a slower pace. AAAAAWWWWHHHHH!!!! They had a great season…went undefeated. Could go on here about Him….My time I do have to keep a moving…. Dillon oldest son is in districts this week for soccer also. Game time 4:00. Can they win discticts?? Yhea you betcha…work will be cut out for them…when playing this team during the season…went into a double overtime and the other time won 1 to 0. Don’t know if I will have time to hop on the weekend. Churches annual sausage dinner is on Sunday…will be working at this on Sunday and …..Tomorrow will be making pies for it….Monday on for clean-up duties.

Commentary form workbook for lectors, gospel readers and proclaimers of the word.
By: Graziano Marcheschi, MA DMin with Nancy Seitz Marcheschi
Luke 19:1-10
In Wisdom 11:22-12:2 says God rebukes offenders and reminds them of their sins so that they abandon their wickedness. But here, Jesus never speaks of sin nor offers even a mild rebuke. Instead, he invites himself to dinner. That turns out to be the most convicting act of all. It’s Jesus’ acceptance that catches Zacchaeus off guard and flips his world upside down. Accustomed to rejection and contempt, this tax collector is suddenly confronted with a celebrity who wants to make a home at his house. And Zacchaeus’ transformation is instantaneous and complete. We know this not because of what Zacchaeus says, anyone can swear to change and promise restitution without following up, or make initial changes that fade with the next morning’s dew. But Jesus, the great reader of hearts, makes a solemn pronouncement: “Today, salvation has come to this house.” Zacchaeus is saved. He, too, is a son of Abraham. The Good Shepherd has found another lost sheep.

One gets the feeling that Zacchaeus may not have known he was lost until he was found. Or did he? At the end, Jesus says the Son of Man come to seek the lost. But at the start, Luke says Zacchaeus was seeking to see Jesus. Something in this tax collector sought out the seeker of souls. Note that it’s the moment immediately after Zacchaeus sees Jesus join the ranks of the outcast (“They began to grumble…’He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner’”) that he announces his decision to reform. This teacher has not judged or disdained him, but reached out to him at the risk of his own reputation. If Zacchaeus needed a sacrament of God’s love, he certainly finds one in Jesus. Perhaps the most dramatic thing Jesus teaches in this episode is that the best way to help someone recognize their sin is to show them pure love.

Jacque…you got it Pure LOVE!!

Jodie Ottowa….Will have you and your Mom in prayers this weekend. (((Hugs for yhea both))).

Donna TX…Are you back home Yet?? Waiting to hear about your trip. Have you in prayers a lot.

Teeny…Sending you a hug today….Love your posativeness!!

Pure Love,
Rhonda

Blogger Rhonda said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

Blogger Michelle said...

Jacque, your post was eloquent and spot on. You thoughts and the way you express them are a magnificent gift that the Lord has given to you, and you in turn use this gift to bless us here in Wendy Land!

Like Morgen and Lori, my language of love is Acts of Service, which I do with joy and good cheer (well, 95% of the time.) There have been times people in my family of origin have mocked and persecuted me for my servant's heart. That has been painful, but the security I feel in knowing I am pleasing the Lord by being obedient, the peace of mind and joy I feel when I serve others, and the tangible blessings the Lord has sent my way - both large and small - are HUGE "wages" this vineyard worker is paid by our mighty and gracious Lord. I want to live my life knowing I gave God reasons to smile each and every day.

Gaylene, I hope your mother's appointment went well today, and that you are able to calmly focus on your 15-page paper tomorrow.

Teeny, don't miss the devotional my Marybeth Whalen on P31 today. I think it will encourage you to do those throat exercises.

Dixie, how did the church ladies meeting go?

G&P - I'm not sure what a jig is either. How about we do the Snoopy dance?

Amy- a fridge AND an AC unit. What a sense of humor God has, eh?

Have a blessed, 4:8 evening all.

Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England

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