Bible Reading: The Book of Jonah

A Big Fish and an Even Bigger Mercy

God asked the prophet Jonah to go to the great city of Nineveh.

“Tell the people to turn away from hurting others and begin living with kindness and justice.”

But Jonah did not want to go. He thought the people of Nineveh did not deserve God’s mercy.

So Jonah ran the other way!

He boarded a ship, hoping to get as far away as possible.

Soon a fierce storm swept across the sea. The sailors were frightened and prayed for help.

Jonah realized he could not run from God. When he was thrown into the sea, the storm became calm.

Then God sent a great fish to rescue Jonah.

For three days and three nights, Jonah stayed inside the fish. There he prayed and remembered that God never gives up on people.

The fish gently carried Jonah back to dry land.

This time, Jonah obeyed God.

He traveled to Nineveh and shared God’s message. The people listened. They stopped their violence, turned toward kindness, and changed their ways.

God showed them mercy.

Jonah became upset because he wanted God to punish them.

But God gently reminded Jonah that God’s love is for everyone—even people we find difficult to love.

God cares about every person and wants everyone to have the chance to choose compassion, justice, and peace.

What Can We Learn?

God’s mercy is bigger than our anger. God invites everyone to change, grow, and begin again. We are called to celebrate when people choose love over harm.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Think of someone who is different from you or someone with whom you’ve had a disagreement. Pray that they will know God’s love, and if you can, offer them kindness.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for Your never-ending mercy. Help us forgive, welcome others, and remember that Your love is wide enough for everyone.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” — Psalm 145:8

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 19:1–18

God Speaks Softly

The prophet Elijah had been very brave, but now he was tired and afraid. He ran into the wilderness and sat down under a small broom tree.

“I’ve had enough,” Elijah prayed.

God saw how exhausted Elijah was. Before asking Elijah to do anything, God sent an angel with fresh bread and water.

“Get up and eat,” the angel said.

Elijah rested, ate, drank, and grew stronger.

Then he traveled to Mount Horeb, where he waited for God.

A powerful wind swept across the mountain. It was so strong that it broke rocks apart.

But God was not in the wind.

Next came an earthquake.

But God was not in the earthquake.

Then came a blazing fire.

But God was not in the fire.

After the fire came a gentle whisper.

When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he covered his face and stepped outside to listen.

God spoke with love.

“Elijah, you are not alone.”

God encouraged Elijah, gave him new work to do, and reminded him that many faithful people were still following God.

Elijah discovered that God often speaks, not with loud noises, but in quiet moments of peace, comfort, and love.

What Can We Learn?

Sometimes we expect God to speak through dramatic events, but often God’s voice comes gently. When we rest, pray, and listen with quiet hearts, we may become more aware of God’s loving presence.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Spend a few quiet minutes outside or in a peaceful place today. Listen to the birds, feel the breeze, and thank God for being near.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for speaking with gentleness and love. Help us slow down, find moments of quiet, and listen for Your voice in our hearts.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“After the fire came a sound of sheer silence.” — 1 Kings 19:12 (NRSV)

Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3:3–15

The Best Gift

After King David died, his son Solomon became the new king of Israel. Solomon knew that leading a whole nation was a big responsibility.

One night, God spoke to Solomon in a dream.

“Ask for whatever you would like Me to give you.”

Solomon could have asked for riches, a long life, or great power.

Instead, he said,

“Please give me wisdom so I can lead Your people with kindness, fairness, and understanding.”

God was pleased with Solomon’s answer.

Because Solomon chose wisdom instead of wealth or power, God blessed him with great understanding. People came from many lands to hear Solomon’s wise words.

One day, two women came to Solomon with a very difficult problem. They both claimed to be the mother of the same baby.

Solomon listened carefully to both women. Then he suggested a plan that revealed who truly loved the child.

The real mother would rather give up her own wishes than see her child harmed.

Solomon immediately knew who the child’s mother was and returned the baby to her.

Everyone saw that true wisdom listens carefully, seeks justice, and protects those who are vulnerable.

Solomon reminded God’s people that wisdom is one of the greatest gifts anyone can receive.

What Can We Learn?

Wisdom means more than knowing many facts. It means listening well, being fair, making loving choices, and caring for others.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Before making a decision today, pause and pray, “God, please help me choose what is loving and wise.”

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for the gift of wisdom. Help us listen before we speak, be fair to everyone, and make choices filled with love and kindness.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people.” — 1 Kings 3:9

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16–17

A Heart That Loved God

Long ago, there was a young shepherd named David. Every day he cared for his father’s sheep. He led them to green grass, found cool water for them to drink, and protected them from danger.

While he watched the sheep, David sang songs to God and played his harp. He loved God’s beautiful creation and trusted that God was always with him.

One day, the prophet Samuel came to David’s town. God had chosen David to become the future king of Israel.

David was the youngest in his family, and no one expected him to be chosen.

But God told Samuel,

“People look at the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Later, the Israelites were afraid because a giant warrior named Goliath challenged them every day.

David was not a soldier. He was only bringing food to his brothers.

When David heard Goliath’s cruel words, he trusted that God would help him.

Instead of wearing heavy armor, David took his shepherd’s staff, his sling, and five smooth stones from a stream.

As Goliath laughed, David stood firm.

He placed one stone in his sling and let it fly.

The stone struck Goliath, and the giant fell to the ground.

The battle was won—not because David was the strongest, but because he trusted God.

David became a great king, but he never forgot that real strength comes from loving God and caring for others.

What Can We Learn?

God often works through ordinary people with faithful hearts. Courage grows when we trust God and use the gifts God has given us.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Think about a gift God has given you—kindness, creativity, listening, singing, helping, or encouraging others. Use that gift today to make someone’s day brighter.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for giving each of us special gifts. Help us trust You when we face challenges and use our gifts to bring love, hope, and peace to the world.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

Bible Reading: The Book of Esther

Courage for the Right Time

Long ago, a young Jewish woman named Esther lived far from her people’s homeland. She was kind, wise, and brave. Her cousin Mordecai had raised her and loved her like a daughter.

Esther became queen of Persia, but many people did not know she was Jewish.

One day, a powerful man named Haman made a cruel plan to harm the Jewish people. Mordecai learned about the plan and asked Esther to help.

Esther was afraid.

Speaking to the king without being invited was dangerous. She could even lose her life.

Mordecai sent her an important message:

“Who knows? Perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.”

Esther asked everyone to pray and fast with her for three days. Then she courageously went to see the king.

The king welcomed Esther with kindness.

Instead of speaking in anger, Esther wisely invited the king and Haman to a banquet. At the right time, she told the king the truth about Haman’s plan.

The king listened to Esther. Haman’s evil plan was stopped, and the Jewish people were saved.

The people celebrated with great joy because one person’s courage had helped protect many others.

Esther showed that true courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to do what is right, even when you are afraid.

What Can We Learn?

God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. When we stand up for those who are in danger or being treated unfairly, we become part of God’s work of justice and love.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Stand up for someone who is being left out or treated unfairly. Invite them to play, sit with them at lunch, or speak a kind word on their behalf.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for Esther’s courage. Help us be brave when others need our help. Give us wisdom to speak with kindness and strength to do what is right.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” — Esther 4:14

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1–21

“Speak, Lord, Your Servant Is Listening”

A young boy named Samuel lived at the tabernacle with Eli the priest. Samuel helped with the daily work of worship and learned about God as he grew.

One night, after everyone had gone to sleep, Samuel heard someone call his name.

“Samuel!”

Samuel jumped up and ran to Eli.

“Here I am,” he said. “You called me.”

But Eli replied, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”

So Samuel lay down again.

A second time, he heard the voice.

“Samuel!”

Again he ran to Eli.

“I am here!”

Eli smiled gently.

“I didn’t call you.”

When Samuel heard his name a third time, Eli understood what was happening.

He said, “If you hear the voice again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”

Samuel returned to bed.

Soon the voice came once more.

“Samuel! Samuel!”

This time Samuel answered,

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

God spoke to Samuel, and from that day on, Samuel continued to grow in wisdom, faith, and courage. He became a prophet who helped guide God’s people with honesty and love.

Samuel learned that God can speak in quiet moments and that listening carefully is an important part of following God.

What Can We Learn?

God still invites us to listen with open hearts. We may hear God’s guidance through prayer, Scripture, wise friends, loving family members, or the quiet nudges to do what is kind and right.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Spend five quiet minutes today. Listen to the sounds around you, thank God for the day, and ask how you can share love with someone.

Prayer

Dear God,

Help us slow down and listen for Your voice. Give us hearts that are ready to follow You with love, courage, and kindness.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:10

Bible Reading: The Book of Ruth

Love That Stays

There was once a woman named Naomi. She was very sad because her husband had died, and later her two sons died as well. Naomi decided to return to her homeland.

Her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, loved her very much.

Naomi said, “You should stay here with your own families.”

Orpah said goodbye with love.

But Ruth would not leave Naomi.

She said,

“Where you go, I will go. Where you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”

Together, Ruth and Naomi traveled to Bethlehem.

They were poor, so Ruth worked hard in the fields, gathering leftover grain that the harvesters had left behind. This was called gleaning, and it helped people who were poor have food to eat.

The owner of the field was a kind man named Boaz.

Boaz noticed how faithfully Ruth cared for Naomi. He told his workers to leave extra grain for Ruth and to make sure she was safe.

Ruth thanked Boaz for his kindness.

In time, Ruth and Boaz were married, and they had a son named Obed.

Obed grew up to become the grandfather of King David. Many years later, Jesus was born into this same family.

Ruth’s story reminds us that love, loyalty, and kindness can bless many generations.

What Can We Learn?

Kindness is powerful. When we stay faithful to the people we love and care for those in need, God can do wonderful things through our ordinary acts of compassion.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Help someone today without expecting anything in return. Share a meal, help with chores, or simply spend time with someone who needs a friend.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for teaching us through Ruth’s kindness and loyalty. Help us care for others with generous hearts and stay faithful to the people who need us.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Where you go I will go… your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” — Ruth 1:16

Bible Reading: Joshua 1; 3–4

Be Strong and Courageous

After many years of traveling through the wilderness, it was time for the Israelites to enter the land God had promised them.

Moses had died, and Joshua became the new leader. Joshua loved God and wanted to help the people walk in God’s ways.

Joshua felt the weight of such a big responsibility.

God spoke to Joshua and said,

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for I am with you wherever you go.”

Those words gave Joshua hope.

The people came to the Jordan River. It was deep and rushing with water.

God told the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant and step into the river first. As soon as they did, the waters stopped flowing, and the people crossed safely on dry ground.

When everyone had crossed, God told Joshua to choose twelve people, one from each tribe of Israel, to carry twelve stones from the riverbed.

They stacked the stones together as a memorial.

“Whenever your children ask about these stones,” Joshua said, “tell them how God helped us cross the river.”

The stones became a reminder that God had been faithful in the past and would continue to be faithful in the future.

Joshua led with courage, not because he was never afraid, but because he trusted that God was always with him.

What Can We Learn?

Courage does not mean we never feel afraid. Courage means doing what is right while trusting that God is with us. Remembering God’s faithfulness can give us strength for today’s challenges.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Make a “memory stone” by drawing or writing about a time when God, a friend, or your family helped you through something difficult. Thank God for that gift.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for being with us wherever we go. Help us to be strong and courageous, to trust You, and to remember Your faithfulness every day.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Bible Reading: Exodus 19–20

Learning How to Love

After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites traveled through the wilderness until they came to Mount Sinai. The mountain was covered with a great cloud because God was meeting with the people there.

Moses climbed the mountain to listen to God.

God wanted the people to know how to live together with love, justice, and peace. So God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

These commandments were not meant to be a list of impossible rules. They were gifts to help people love God and care for one another.

God taught the people:

• Love God with all your heart.
• Do not worship idols.
• Speak God’s name with respect.
• Remember to rest and keep the Sabbath holy.
• Honor your father and mother.
• Do not murder.
• Be faithful and trustworthy.
• Do not steal.
• Tell the truth.
• Do not be jealous of what belongs to others.

Moses wrote God’s commandments so the people could remember them.

Jesus would later teach that all these commandments can be summed up in two great ones:

“Love God with all your heart,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

When we choose love, kindness, honesty, and peace, we are walking in God’s ways.

What Can We Learn?

God’s commandments help us build communities where people are safe, respected, and loved. Love is at the heart of everything God asks us to do.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Choose one commandment today and practice it in a simple way. Tell the truth, share with someone, honor your family, or take time to rest and thank God.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for teaching us how to love. Help us love You with all our hearts and love our neighbors with kindness, honesty, and compassion every day.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:37–39

Bible Reading: Exodus 12–15

God Makes a Way

After many difficult days, Pharaoh finally let the Israelites leave Egypt. They packed their belongings and began their journey toward freedom.

Moses led the people, and God went with them. During the day, God guided them with a pillar of cloud. At night, a pillar of fire gave them light.

Before long, Pharaoh changed his mind. He gathered his army and chased after the Israelites.

Soon the people found themselves trapped. The Red Sea was in front of them, and Pharaoh’s army was behind them.

The people became frightened.

“What will we do?” they cried.

Moses said, “Do not be afraid. Trust God.”

God told Moses to lift his staff over the sea.

As Moses obeyed, a strong wind blew all night. The waters parted, and a dry path appeared through the middle of the sea.

The Israelites walked safely across to the other side.

When Pharaoh’s army tried to follow, the waters returned, and the Israelites escaped.

The people were safe at last.

They sang songs of thanks and celebrated God’s faithfulness. Moses’ sister, Miriam, took a tambourine, and many people danced with joy, praising God for bringing them through danger into freedom.

From that day on, the Israelites remembered that God hears the cries of people who suffer and leads them toward hope.

What Can We Learn?

God is with us in frightening times. Even when we cannot see a way forward, God can help us find hope, courage, and a path through our difficulties.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Help someone who feels afraid or alone. Offer a kind word, hold a hand if it’s welcome, or remind them that they are not alone.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for leading us through difficult times. Help us trust You when we are afraid and give us courage to keep moving forward with hope.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” — Exodus 14:14