Kids On A Mission is a new to LifeAndLearning365. My intention is to share a child-friendly version of the devotionals that are already on our website. This devo is to help children share the Gospel. You are their first and most important teacher.
If you'd like a printable version of this devotional, which includes three car coloring pages with Bible verses, please download the file.
Kids on a Mission: Love God and Love People
Devotional 4: Anticipating God’s Grace
By Becky Lane
What is the best gift you’ve received? What is one gift you are asking for? Why?
When I was a child, I loved having gifts under the Christmas tree for a long time before Christmas. Seeing a gift wrapped up with my name on it for weeks was the best! It was so special because I knew it was for me and I could open it on Christmas Day. It was already mine because my name was on it. In other ways, it was not yet mine because I did not open it until later and enjoy whatever the present was. It was already mine, but not yet enjoyed by me. I enjoy the anticipation (looking forward to something).
Not everyone has a family or a family that is able to give gifts. Everyone is invited into God’s family and able to enjoy the “already, not yet” gifts!
God has already given us the gift of Salvation through Jesus, His Son! Yet we are still waiting to see Him and fully enjoy being with Him.
Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”
There are gifts from God I still wait for today and hope my name is on. He may or may not give me what I’m asking for. I know we can trust Him. God is good. He gives good gifts. If we have received the gift of salvation by faith, we will someday open it and delight in the God, the Giver, even more! His grace is a gift.
Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We deserve to be away from God the Father, but He invited us to enjoy living with Him forever through Jesus Christ!
Mission Review:
We wait for the best gift.
Call Out*
We anticipate the best gift!
Let’s talk to God together (pray):
Dear Lord,
You are so good! We know You give your children good gifts. Thank You for inviting us into your family through Jesus! Thank You for making a way for us to enjoy You forever! We are looking forward to the day when we can be with You! We love You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Do you want to learn more?
Ephesians 1:4-5 talks about how we are blessed in Christ and chosen before the foundation of the world.
Questions to Think About:
What are you looking forward to in life?
What are you looking forward to most about meeting God someday?
Note to parents:
These are big ideas. Looking forward to opening a gift is something many of us can relate to. Already having salvation and not yet fully enjoying it is a lot to take in. It is good to ask questions and know that God can handle them! As you share what you know and what you are still studying, your children will feel more comfortable coming to you and God’s Word with their questions. We do not know everything, God does. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and it is the glory of kings to search it out (Proverbs 25:2). Have fun discovering things like kings as a family!
Coloring sheets:
Enjoy the coloring sheet found after this devotional. Coloring and conversations go hand in hand! Enjoy a sweet time of fellowship as you talk, listen to each other, color, and maybe even play some music. Remember, stories go a long way. Every person has a purpose. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. They will constantly need reminders of God’s love and forgiveness. Remember that the Lord has given you the beautiful responsibility of teaching your child about Him (Deuteronomy 6). You are doing amazing work!
*A call out is a fun way to engage children. The leader says the first part and the children say the second part. It is best to repeat this several times. These statements can be used later on as well! While you and your family are driving in the car, doing the dishes, or cleaning, call outs can help families remember what they have been studying in devotions.
Looking for a more? Another version of this devotional can be found on the website. https://www.lifeandlearning365.com/post/anticipation-of-grace-philippians-3-20-21-devotion
