Page 101 - Grace150 Devotional

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Two-year-old hands come together to mimic an open Bible. Little voices
repeat the verse above. Week after week, little ones speak biblical truth into their
small hearts.
Thirty years ago, John and I were newly married and recruited to teach two-year-
olds. Years later I still marvel at the soundness of the plans we were given to teach
such small children. Over time, many faithful members of this congregation
taught our own two-year-old daughters. One of those girls is now mom to our
two-year-old granddaughter—moving us to meditate again on the opportunities
in teaching generation after generation about the love of God.

One blessing in teaching is the lesson learned in the heart of the teacher. Years of
reciting this verse implanted gospel truth in our own hearts. We did nothing to
earn or deserve His love, and we do not love God or others without His love. We
love at His initiation, a gift of His transforming, unlimited grace.
Lord, thank You for a church that plants biblical truth into the hearts of all the
children who come. May those seeds of love and grace continue to bear fruit
from generation to generation and from Peoria to the world for Your glory.
– Karen Winkelman

Karen and her husband John attended Grace from 1987 to 1999. They have been serving
with Cru-Family Life for the past 19 years.

devotions for the journey DAY 94