When we think of our fists being clinched we naturally think of anger. We imagine ourselves boiling over about something or someone and the clinching of fists being a natural result of that anger. We may want to use those fists or the clenching may have more to do with trying to restrain ourselves. Either way, the emotion we imagine feeling in the moments our fists are clenched is anger.
What if our clenched fists have nothing to do with anger at all? What if we clench our fists- literally or figuratively- out of other emotions? Like…love for example.
When we love something or someone with everything in us, don’t we naturally want to hang on tight? Our fists clench to cling to the object of our love out of a sense of protection or responsibility. Think about a 2 year old not wanting to share his toy with a friend. He will hang on for dear life to this thing he (at least for the next 2 minutes) loves with all of his heart. It takes willpower to let go of something we love…it’s a sacrifice.
Yesterday I talked to the kids about sacrifice. What a hard thing sacrifice is for kids…for all of us. Sacrifice is hard. It wouldn’t be sacrifice if it wasn’t. In light of the fact that we are (almost) at the halfway mark of Lent, the idea of just how hard sacrifice can be was a relevant topic. Sacrifice at its core meaning is releasing our clinched fists in order to open our hands to the Lord.
Jesus teaches us to store up our treasures in heaven, not on earth. He told a young rich ruler to sell all of his possessions in order to give money to the poor. Jesus didn’t mean we couldn’t enjoy the good things of this life; after all, every good gift we have is from Him. What He did say is that no treasure, nothing we love on this earth will last. Only the things of God are eternal, so we should be willing to give up any and everything in order to find the things of God. We should be willing to open our clenched fists that hold what we love; those things we – even on occasion- may make more important than Him.
Sacrifice is not easy to grasp (no pun intended) in one Sunday, but we’ve made a start. As we ended yesterday we prayed that our hands would be open to Him. Specifically, we clenched our fists tightly, thinking of things we love so much we may- even accidently- put above God at times. As we prayed, we slowly opened our hands, acknowledging that we’re willing to sacrifice those things in order to receive what really matters- Him.
Clinched fists just may indicate love. Open hands always will.
This Week’s Announcements:
Help Needed:
One of our very dedicated and wonderful small group leaders had to step down from his post on Sunday mornings because of a new work schedule. If you’re the DAD of a 3rd-5th grade boy, we need YOU! Please contact me to find out how you can help disciple this special group of boys. penny@stonebridgemarietta.org
Palm Sunday Singers:
As is tradition, some of our children will wave palms in the sanctuary on Palm Sunday. Adding to that tradition this year, those children will also be helping lead one of the worship songs on this special day. The qualifications to be a part of this group: regular attendee to PathFinders, 4k-5th grade, comfortable singing in front of a large group, able to attend two practices (date and time of practices TBD). If you have a child who meets the requirements and would like to wave palms and sing one song on Sunday, March 20th, please sign up using one of the links below. *Note the links are specific to one of the morning services. (There will not be an official group singing at the 5pm service) The number of children doing this will be limited because of space.
For the 9am service: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-palm
For the 11am service: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-palm2
Mom/Son Game Night:
Moms with boys, this is the night you’ve been waiting for! It’s Mom/Son Game Night 2016! Let your hair down and that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Dress in your “play clothes” and come enjoy a crazy, slightly competitive, and full of surprises night with your little guy. It’s all happening on Friday, March 18; 6:30-8:30pm in our 164 space. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4 years old-5th grade may attend. Registration is required, and the cost is only $5 per family. Follow the link below to register: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-momson
*Registration closes at NOON on Tuesday, March 15th*
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see ROOTED lessons:
This link is no longer available
This week’s memory verse: Matthew 6:21 ~ “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Monday, February 29, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
What's Love Got to Do with It...?
Everything.
Valentine’s Day has come and gone although the candy -or the effects of that candy- has not. If you’re like me you still have piles of candy sitting around…staring at you to either eat it or throw it out. I personally will adhere to the latter of those choices. (Not because, like many, I gave up sweets for Lent…I’d just rather spend my calories on other things)
Since candy…I mean, LOVE was naturally going to be on the minds of the kids, I decided it best to ride that wave. That’s why yesterday’s focus was on being rooted in God’s love for us; specifically, His patient love for us.
There are so many verses in the Bible about the subject of love (more than a great deal of other topics) that narrowing down how to “tackle” love could have been a challenge; however, when we start with the basic Truth- “God is love”- it becomes a great deal easier. God showed His love to us by sending His Son to die for our sins. Take that in…SHOWED His love…not felt love…showed it.
God obviously feels love for us, but it’s His actionable love that makes it possible for us to know and accept the reality of that love. This is why the parable of the prodigal son is used so often as a picture of God’s patient and forgiving love for us. The father in the story sees the son and runs to meet him. He doesn’t condemn him, he doesn’t make him beg for reconciliation, nor does he even speak of his son’s transgressions. It is without many words a true picture of patient love; a love that is slow to anger and keeps no record of wrongs. If we gain nothing else from this parable but the fact that once we move toward the Lord, He moves toward us, we’ve gained a great deal…a great, great deal.
This Week’s Announcements:
Help Needed:
One of our very dedicated and wonderful small group leaders had to step down from his post on Sunday mornings because of a new work schedule. If you’re the DAD of a 3rd-5th grade boy, we need YOU! Please contact me to find out how you can help disciple this special group of boys. penny@stonebridgemarietta.org
Palm Sunday Singers:
As is tradition, some of our children will wave palms in the sanctuary on Palm Sunday. Adding to that tradition this year, those children will also be helping lead one of the worship songs on this special day. The qualifications to be a part of this group: regular attendee to PathFinders, 4k-5th grade, comfortable singing in front of a large group, able to attend two practices (date and time of practices TBD). If you have a child who meets the requirements and would like to wave palms and sing one song on Sunday, March 20th, please sign up using one of the links below. The number of children doing this will be limited because of space. *Note the links are specific to one of the morning services. (There will not be an official group singing at the 5pm service)
For the 9am service: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-palm
For the 11am service: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-palm2
Baptism Service:
On Sunday, March 13th we will offer believers Baptism during all of our Sunday services. If your child has expressed interest in being baptized, please contact me. I will discuss this important decision with your child to determine if he/she is ready to participate in believer's Baptism.
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see ROOTED lessons.
This link is no longer available
This week’s memory verse: 1John 4:9 ~ “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”
Funny Things Kids Say and Do…
To get the discussion about love going, the kids were asked to name one thing they love. I heard some great ones…everything from candy to the Clemson Tigers. The one that made me scratch my head… “I love licking my toes.”
One child in 1st grade has questions about God. As she describes it, “LOTS of questions!” After asking her small group leader a pretty deep theological question, to which the leader gave a great answer, the child was not fully satisfied. So very seriously she asked, “Do you think Pastor David would have a better answer?”
Valentine’s Day has come and gone although the candy -or the effects of that candy- has not. If you’re like me you still have piles of candy sitting around…staring at you to either eat it or throw it out. I personally will adhere to the latter of those choices. (Not because, like many, I gave up sweets for Lent…I’d just rather spend my calories on other things)
Since candy…I mean, LOVE was naturally going to be on the minds of the kids, I decided it best to ride that wave. That’s why yesterday’s focus was on being rooted in God’s love for us; specifically, His patient love for us.
There are so many verses in the Bible about the subject of love (more than a great deal of other topics) that narrowing down how to “tackle” love could have been a challenge; however, when we start with the basic Truth- “God is love”- it becomes a great deal easier. God showed His love to us by sending His Son to die for our sins. Take that in…SHOWED His love…not felt love…showed it.
God obviously feels love for us, but it’s His actionable love that makes it possible for us to know and accept the reality of that love. This is why the parable of the prodigal son is used so often as a picture of God’s patient and forgiving love for us. The father in the story sees the son and runs to meet him. He doesn’t condemn him, he doesn’t make him beg for reconciliation, nor does he even speak of his son’s transgressions. It is without many words a true picture of patient love; a love that is slow to anger and keeps no record of wrongs. If we gain nothing else from this parable but the fact that once we move toward the Lord, He moves toward us, we’ve gained a great deal…a great, great deal.
This Week’s Announcements:
Help Needed:
One of our very dedicated and wonderful small group leaders had to step down from his post on Sunday mornings because of a new work schedule. If you’re the DAD of a 3rd-5th grade boy, we need YOU! Please contact me to find out how you can help disciple this special group of boys. penny@stonebridgemarietta.org
Palm Sunday Singers:
As is tradition, some of our children will wave palms in the sanctuary on Palm Sunday. Adding to that tradition this year, those children will also be helping lead one of the worship songs on this special day. The qualifications to be a part of this group: regular attendee to PathFinders, 4k-5th grade, comfortable singing in front of a large group, able to attend two practices (date and time of practices TBD). If you have a child who meets the requirements and would like to wave palms and sing one song on Sunday, March 20th, please sign up using one of the links below. The number of children doing this will be limited because of space. *Note the links are specific to one of the morning services. (There will not be an official group singing at the 5pm service)
For the 9am service: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-palm
For the 11am service: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-palm2
Baptism Service:
On Sunday, March 13th we will offer believers Baptism during all of our Sunday services. If your child has expressed interest in being baptized, please contact me. I will discuss this important decision with your child to determine if he/she is ready to participate in believer's Baptism.
What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see ROOTED lessons.
This link is no longer available
This week’s memory verse: 1John 4:9 ~ “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”
Funny Things Kids Say and Do…
To get the discussion about love going, the kids were asked to name one thing they love. I heard some great ones…everything from candy to the Clemson Tigers. The one that made me scratch my head… “I love licking my toes.”
One child in 1st grade has questions about God. As she describes it, “LOTS of questions!” After asking her small group leader a pretty deep theological question, to which the leader gave a great answer, the child was not fully satisfied. So very seriously she asked, “Do you think Pastor David would have a better answer?”
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Leaving Your Fingerprints
Kids leave their fingerprints everywhere, don’t they? The mirror in the hall, the glass sliding door, and the refrigerator front are all places little hands leave their mark. And this is when their hands are clean. Just think of all the places you find their evidence after they’ve eaten something sticky or cheesy! The point is we all leave our fingerprints behind. (My computer is picking up my prints with every key stroke I make)
When our prints- unique only to us- are left behind, it’s as if we’ve left a part of ourselves. As one of the outreach leaders pointed out on Sunday we leave a ‘mark’ like our fingerprints wherever we go. Sometimes that mark is good and sometimes not so good. Obviously, the goal for us is to leave a good “mark” where we’ve been; to leave fingerprints that bless and encourage others.
This past Sunday’s outreach project was about blessing the lives of our neighbors. In the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus is asked “who is my neighbor?” Just as that expert in the law learned, we learned God wants us to love people- all people. The children did projects for a nursing home, for their families, for their (literal) neighbors, and for the men and women who are assisted by our Acts 6 Ministry. They left some fingerprints on everything they did- both literally and spiritually. Outside of their families, the children may never see or know the people they blessed. Our prayer is the fingerprints they left behind will give God an opportunity to minister to our “neighbors.”
This Week’s Announcements:
Daddy/Daughter Dance:
Attention Dads with Daughters…This is your chance to take your little princess on a special date! Come join us for this year’s Daddy-Daughter Dance. Dress in your best duds, and enjoy a magical night with your princess – complete with dinner, dancing, and other special surprises. This special event takes place on Friday, February 12th, 6:30-9pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $20 per family. Dads of all ages, and princesses aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Click the link to register. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-daddydaughter *Space is limited so sign up quickly. Registration is open until noon on Tuesday, February 9th- or until spaces are full*
When our prints- unique only to us- are left behind, it’s as if we’ve left a part of ourselves. As one of the outreach leaders pointed out on Sunday we leave a ‘mark’ like our fingerprints wherever we go. Sometimes that mark is good and sometimes not so good. Obviously, the goal for us is to leave a good “mark” where we’ve been; to leave fingerprints that bless and encourage others.
This past Sunday’s outreach project was about blessing the lives of our neighbors. In the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus is asked “who is my neighbor?” Just as that expert in the law learned, we learned God wants us to love people- all people. The children did projects for a nursing home, for their families, for their (literal) neighbors, and for the men and women who are assisted by our Acts 6 Ministry. They left some fingerprints on everything they did- both literally and spiritually. Outside of their families, the children may never see or know the people they blessed. Our prayer is the fingerprints they left behind will give God an opportunity to minister to our “neighbors.”
This Week’s Announcements:
Daddy/Daughter Dance:
Attention Dads with Daughters…This is your chance to take your little princess on a special date! Come join us for this year’s Daddy-Daughter Dance. Dress in your best duds, and enjoy a magical night with your princess – complete with dinner, dancing, and other special surprises. This special event takes place on Friday, February 12th, 6:30-9pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $20 per family. Dads of all ages, and princesses aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Click the link to register. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-daddydaughter *Space is limited so sign up quickly. Registration is open until noon on Tuesday, February 9th- or until spaces are full*
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