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.”
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