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

Bible Reading: Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–20; John 13:1–17

A Meal of Love

It was time to celebrate the Passover, and Jesus gathered with his closest friends for a special meal.

As they sat together, Jesus surprised everyone.

He wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a bowl, and began to wash his disciples’ feet.

In those days, washing dusty feet was a servant’s job.

Peter was surprised.

“Lord,” he said, “You shouldn’t wash my feet!”

Jesus smiled and replied,

“I want you to learn to love by serving others.”

When he had finished, Jesus said,

“I have given you an example. Love one another as I have loved you.”

Then Jesus took a loaf of bread.

He thanked God, broke the bread, and shared it with his friends.

“Whenever you eat bread together,” he said, “remember me.”

Next, Jesus took a cup and gave thanks to God.

He shared it with everyone and said,

“Whenever you share this cup together, remember God’s promise of love.”

The disciples did not yet understand everything that was about to happen.

But they would always remember that evening—a meal filled with friendship, service, and love.

Today, Christians around the world still share bread and the cup as a way of remembering Jesus and the love he showed for everyone.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus teaches us that real greatness comes from serving others with humble hearts. He also reminds us to gather in love, share what we have, and remember God’s never-ending love.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Do one act of loving service today. Help set the table, wash dishes, clean up without being asked, or help someone who needs a hand.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for Jesus, who showed us how to love by serving others. Help us share, serve, and remember Your love every day.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” — John 13:34

Bible Reading: Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–40; John 12:12–19

A King of Peace

As the Passover festival drew near, Jesus traveled toward the city of Jerusalem.

Before entering the city, Jesus asked two of his disciples to bring him a young donkey.

The disciples did just as Jesus asked.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey.

The crowds were filled with excitement. They spread their cloaks on the road and waved palm branches in the air.

They shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Many people expected a powerful king riding a great war horse.

But Jesus chose a humble donkey instead.

He came, not to conquer with force, but to bring peace, love, and hope.

As Jesus entered the city, he looked at the people with compassion. He knew that many were hurting, and he longed for a world filled with justice, mercy, and peace.

The waving palm branches became a joyful sign of welcome.

Even today, Christians remember Palm Sunday as the beginning of Holy Week—the week when Jesus showed the greatest love the world has ever known.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus teaches us that true greatness is found in humility, kindness, and serving others. God’s kingdom grows through love, not through fear or violence.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Welcome someone today with kindness. Smile at a new person, invite someone to join you, or help someone feel included and valued.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for sending Jesus, our gentle King. Help us follow His way of peace, welcome others with love, and choose kindness every day.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” — Mark 11:9

Bible Reading: John 11:1–44

Jesus Shares Our Tears

Jesus had three dear friends who lived in the village of Bethany: Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus.

One day, Lazarus became very sick.

Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus, asking him to come.

By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had died, and his family and friends were very sad.

When Jesus saw Mary and Martha crying, he cried too.

Jesus loved them so much that he shared in their sadness.

Then Jesus walked to Lazarus’s tomb. It was a cave with a large stone covering the entrance.

Jesus said,

“Take away the stone.”

Then Jesus looked toward heaven and prayed.

In a loud voice he called,

“Lazarus, come out!”

To everyone’s amazement, Lazarus came out of the tomb, alive again!

The people rejoiced and praised God.

This miracle showed that God’s love is stronger than death and that Jesus brings hope wherever there is sadness.

It also reminds us that Jesus understands our tears. When we hurt, he is near, comforting us with love and giving us hope.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus cares deeply about our joys and our sorrows. He is with us when we cry and reminds us that God’s hope is stronger than despair.

Love Like Francis and Clare

If someone is sad today, be a caring friend. Listen, offer a hug if it’s welcome, draw them a picture, or simply let them know they are not alone.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for being with us when we are sad. Help us comfort others with love and remind us that Your hope shines even in the darkest times.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Jesus began to weep.” — John 11:35