Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1–5; 22:1–5

God Makes Everything New

Near the end of the Bible, God gave the apostle John a wonderful vision filled with hope.

John saw a new heaven and a new earth.

He saw the Holy City shining with God’s love, where God would live with God’s people forever.

Then John heard a joyful voice saying,

“See, the home of God is among people.”

In God’s new creation, there would be no more tears.

No more sadness.

No more pain.

No more death.

God would wipe every tear from every eye.

John also saw a beautiful river of the water of life, sparkling as it flowed through the city.

On each side of the river grew the Tree of Life, whose leaves brought healing to the nations.

Everything was filled with light because God’s love shone everywhere.

Then God said,

“See, I am making all things new.”

This is the Bible’s final promise.

No matter how difficult life may sometimes be, God is working to bring healing, peace, justice, and joy to all creation.

Until that day comes, we are invited to live as people of hope—loving our neighbors, caring for creation, forgiving others, and following Jesus every day.

God’s story ends with hope.

And that hope is for everyone.

What Can We Learn?

God’s dream is a world where love wins, peace reigns, and every tear is wiped away. We can help bring a little bit of that future into the world today through acts of kindness, justice, and compassion.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Plant a flower, care for an animal, recycle, help someone in need, or make peace after an argument. Every loving act helps reflect God’s beautiful future.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for Your promise to make all things new. Fill our hearts with hope, help us share Your love every day, and teach us to care for Your world until the day when all creation is filled with peace.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“See, I am making all things new.” — Revelation 21:5

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:22–23

Growing Good Fruit

The apostle Paul wanted the followers of Jesus to understand what a life with God looks like.

He said that when God’s Holy Spirit is at work in our hearts, we begin to grow good fruit.

Not fruit like apples or oranges—

But fruit we can share with everyone!

Paul named nine beautiful fruits of the Spirit:

• Love—caring for others with all your heart.
• Joy—finding happiness in God’s love.
• Peace—helping bring calm instead of arguments.
• Patience—waiting with kindness.
• Kindness—doing thoughtful things for others.
• Goodness—choosing what is right.
• Faithfulness—keeping your promises and trusting God.
• Gentleness—using soft words and caring hands.
• Self-control—making wise choices, even when they are difficult.

A fruit tree doesn’t grow its fruit overnight.

It takes sunshine, rain, time, and care.

Our hearts grow the same way.

As we pray, learn about Jesus, help others, and listen to the Holy Spirit, these beautiful fruits grow in our lives.

When people see these fruits in us, they catch a glimpse of God’s love.

What Can We Learn?

The Holy Spirit helps us become more like Jesus every day. We grow little by little as we practice love, kindness, patience, and peace.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Choose one fruit of the Spirit to practice today. Maybe you can be extra patient, show kindness to someone, or help bring peace when others disagree.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Help the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control grow in our hearts so we can share Your love with the world.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23

Bible Reading: Acts 9; Acts 13–28

From Enemy to Friend

Before he was called Paul, his name was Saul.

Saul did not understand the followers of Jesus. He tried to stop them because he believed they were wrong.

One day, while traveling to the city of Damascus, something amazing happened.

A bright light shone all around him.

Saul fell to the ground and heard the voice of Jesus.

“Saul, Saul, why are you hurting me?”

Saul answered,

“Who are you, Lord?”

“I am Jesus,” the voice replied.

After that, Saul could not see for three days. Then a follower of Jesus named Ananias came to him. God had told Ananias to help Saul, even though he was afraid.

Ananias prayed for Saul, and Saul’s sight returned.

From that day on, Saul’s life changed. He became known as Paul.

Instead of trying to stop the Good News, Paul traveled from town to town sharing it.

He told people that God’s love was for everyone.

He started churches, encouraged believers, and wrote letters filled with hope, faith, and love.

Paul faced many hard times. He traveled by ship, walked long roads, spent time in prison, and kept trusting God through every challenge.

Wherever Paul went, he shared the same message:

Nothing can separate us from the love of God shown to us in Jesus Christ.

What Can We Learn?

God can change hearts and give people a new beginning. No matter what our past has been, God can help us grow into people who share love, hope, and peace.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Give someone a second chance today. Encourage a person who is trying to do better, and remember that everyone can grow with God’s help.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for giving us new beginnings. Help us grow in love, forgive others, and courageously share Your hope wherever we go.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Bible Reading: Acts 10

God Shows No Favorites

One afternoon, Peter went up on the roof of a house to pray.

While he was praying, God gave him a surprising vision. Peter saw a large sheet coming down from heaven, filled with many different kinds of animals.

Peter did not understand what the vision meant.

Then God said,

“Do not call unclean what God has made clean.”

Just then, some visitors arrived. They had come from the home of a Roman army officer named Cornelius.

Cornelius loved God and helped people in need, but he was not Jewish.

God wanted Peter to visit him.

Peter went with the visitors to Cornelius’s house.

There he met Cornelius, his family, and many friends. Peter told them about Jesus and God’s great love.

As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit came upon everyone who was listening.

Peter was amazed.

He said,

“I truly understand that God shows no favoritism.”

Peter realized that God’s love is for everyone.

It does not matter where someone comes from, what language they speak, or what they look like.

Everyone is welcome in God’s family.

From that day on, the followers of Jesus shared the Good News with people from many different nations and cultures.

What Can We Learn?

God welcomes everyone with love. We are called to treat every person with kindness, respect, and dignity because every person is made in God’s image.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Welcome someone today. Invite a new friend to join you, be kind to someone who feels left out, or learn about a culture different from your own.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for loving every person. Help us welcome everyone with open hearts and joyful spirits. Teach us to see others the way You see them—with love.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“God shows no partiality.” — Acts 10:34

Bible Reading: Acts 2:1–41

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

After Jesus returned to heaven, his followers gathered together in one house. They prayed, waited, and remembered Jesus’ promise that God would send the Holy Spirit.

Then, one morning, something amazing happened!

A sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the whole house.

Something that looked like little flames of fire rested above each person’s head.

The Holy Spirit had come!

The disciples were filled with courage and joy. They began praising God in many different languages.

People from many countries were visiting Jerusalem. They were amazed because each person heard the Good News in their own language.

“How can this be?” they asked.

Peter stood up and spoke to the crowd.

He told them about Jesus—his love, his life, his death, and his resurrection. He explained that God’s promise was for everyone.

That day, many people believed the Good News and chose to follow Jesus.

The Church began to grow, not through power or force, but through the Holy Spirit, who filled ordinary people with extraordinary love.

The Holy Spirit is still with God’s people today, helping us love, serve, forgive, and share the Good News wherever we are.

What Can We Learn?

The Holy Spirit gives us courage to love others and share God’s peace. God speaks to people of every language, culture, and nation, inviting everyone into God’s family.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Learn how to say “peace” or “God loves you” in another language. Celebrate the different cultures and people God has created, and welcome everyone with kindness.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Fill our hearts with courage, love, and joy. Help us share Your peace with everyone we meet.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” — Acts 2:4

Bible Reading: Matthew 28:16–20

Go and Share the Good News

After Jesus had risen from the dead, he met his disciples on a mountain in Galilee.

When they saw him, they worshiped him with joyful hearts.

Jesus smiled at his friends and gave them an important mission.

He said,

“Go and make disciples of all nations. Teach people everything I have taught you. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus wanted the good news of God’s love to be shared with everyone.

He wanted people everywhere to know that God loves them, forgives them, and welcomes them into God’s family.

Then Jesus made a wonderful promise.

“Remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The disciples were no longer afraid.

They knew they would never be alone.

Filled with courage and hope, they went out to tell others about Jesus. They cared for people, shared meals, prayed together, healed the sick, welcomed strangers, and taught everyone about God’s kingdom of love.

Today, Christians continue that same mission.

Whenever we love our neighbors, care for creation, welcome those who feel left out, forgive others, and share the hope of Jesus, we are helping spread the Good News.

And wherever we go, Jesus promises to be with us.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus invites each of us to share God’s love through our words and our actions. We don’t have to travel far to be part of God’s mission. Every act of kindness, compassion, and peace tells the world about Jesus.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Be a messenger of God’s love today. Encourage someone, help a neighbor, pray for a friend, or care for God’s creation. Small acts of love can make a big difference.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for sending us to share Your love with the world. Help us live like Jesus—with kindness, courage, compassion, and joy. Remind us that You are always with us.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20

Bible Reading: John 21:1–19

Jesus Makes Breakfast

After Jesus had risen, some of the disciples returned to the Sea of Galilee. Peter said,

“I’m going fishing.”

The others went with him.

They fished all night long, but they didn’t catch a single fish.

As morning dawned, they saw someone standing on the shore.

It was Jesus, but at first they did not recognize him.

Jesus called,

“Friends, have you caught any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

Jesus said,

“Cast your net on the other side of the boat.”

They did, and suddenly the net was so full of fish that they could hardly pull it in!

Then John said,

“It is the Lord!”

Peter was so excited that he jumped into the water and hurried to shore.

When they arrived, they found that Jesus had already prepared breakfast. There was a small fire with fish cooking and bread ready to eat.

Jesus smiled and said,

“Come and have breakfast.”

As they ate together, Jesus reminded his friends that he was still with them.

Then Jesus spoke to Peter.

Three times he asked,

“Do you love me?”

Each time Peter answered,

“Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”

Jesus replied,

“Feed my sheep.”

Jesus was inviting Peter to care for others with the same love that Jesus had shown.

The meal by the sea reminded the disciples that God’s love brings forgiveness, new beginnings, and a purpose for every person.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus offers new beginnings. Even when we make mistakes, Jesus forgives us, restores us, and invites us to share God’s love by caring for others.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Share a meal or a snack with someone if you can. Look for a way to care for another person through kindness, encouragement, or helping with a need.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Help us care for others with gentle hearts, just as Jesus cared for his friends.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Come and have breakfast.” — John 21:12

Bible Reading: Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–18

The Joy of Easter Morning

Early on the first day of the week, while the sun was just beginning to rise, Mary Magdalene and some other women went to Jesus’ tomb. They carried sweet spices to honor him.

As they walked, they wondered,

“Who will roll away the heavy stone for us?”

But when they arrived, they were amazed!

The great stone had already been rolled away.

The tomb was empty.

Suddenly, an angel said,

“Do not be afraid. Jesus is not here. He has been raised, just as he said.”

The women were filled with wonder and joy.

They ran to tell the disciples the good news.

On the way, they met Jesus!

He greeted them with peace, and they worshiped him with joyful hearts.

Later that day, Jesus appeared to his disciples. At first, they were frightened, but Jesus said,

“Peace be with you.”

When they recognized him, their sadness turned into great joy.

Jesus’ resurrection showed that God’s love is stronger than death, hope is stronger than despair, and life is stronger than fear.

That is why Christians celebrate Easter with songs of joy and thankful hearts.

What Can We Learn?

No matter how dark life may seem, God can bring new life and new hope. Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that God’s love never ends and that hope is always possible.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Share some Easter joy today. Encourage someone who feels discouraged, make a cheerful card, or remind a friend that God loves them and is always with them.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for the wonderful gift of Easter. Thank You that Jesus is alive and that Your love brings hope to the whole world. Help us share that hope with everyone we meet.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“He is not here; for he has been raised.” — Matthew 28:6

Bible Reading: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19

Love That Never Ends

After the Last Supper, Jesus went to a quiet garden to pray. He knew that difficult things were about to happen, but he trusted God.

Soon, soldiers came and arrested Jesus.

Some leaders accused him of things that were not true. Even though Jesus had spent his life loving, healing, and teaching others, he was treated unfairly.

Jesus was taken outside the city and nailed to a wooden cross.

Even while he was suffering, Jesus prayed for the people around him.

He said,

“Father, forgive them.”

Many of Jesus’ friends felt very sad. His mother Mary stayed nearby, and some of his followers remained with him.

After several hours, Jesus died.

The sky grew dark, and many people grieved because they loved him.

A kind man named Joseph of Arimathea carefully took Jesus’ body and placed it in a new tomb. A large stone was rolled across the entrance.

Everything seemed quiet.

It looked as though the story had ended.

But God was not finished.

A wonderful surprise was coming.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus showed God’s love all the way to the end. He forgave others, even when they were unkind to him. His story reminds us that love is stronger than hate, forgiveness is stronger than revenge, and hope remains even in our saddest moments.

Love Like Francis and Clare

If someone hurts your feelings today, ask God to help you respond with kindness. Forgiveness can be difficult, but it helps our hearts grow in love.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for Jesus, who loved with all his heart. Help us forgive others, choose kindness, and trust that Your love is always with us, even in difficult times.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34