April 27, 2026
Fourth Week of Easter
A God of Surprises
…who was I to be able to hinder God?
Acts 11:17b

Peter would not be the first person shocked or even scandalized by the generosity of God’s mercy. Consider Jonah’s resentment that the Lord spared Nineveh, or the parable of the laborers who barely did an hour’s work but received the same wage as those who toiled in the fields all day.

The difference is that Peter is willing to let the Holy Spirit take the lead. The circumcised Christians, too, once they heard Peter’s testimony, “stopped objecting and glorified God” (v. 18). Rather than finding reasons to exclude others from “life-giving repentance,” they recognized that the Lord was doing something new.

What sort of surprise might God have in store for you this Easter season? Maybe you need a fresh “Alleluia moment,” where you see God’s grace at work in a place you didn’t expect. Better still, you can be an instrument of God’s grace for a person who isn’t expecting it.

Holy Spirit, point me to someone you want me to bless, encourage and pray for this week!

- Steve Pable

Acts 11:1-18 ✚ Psalms 42:2-3; 43:3-4 ✚ John 10:11-18
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Comments

Patrick
April 28, 2026 at 03:40 PM

Alleluia

Scott
April 27, 2026 at 01:40 PM

Hi LFF it has been a while since I have shared with this blessed community. My Alleluia moment is just taking time to comment on Steve’s devotion today. Alleluia moments don’t have to be a huge thing. Alleluia moments can happen in simple and small ways. Opening a door for someone with a smile on your face. Greeting people in the name of love, “God loves you and so do I.” Saying thank you for a kindness of a stranger. Just being yourself praying for others, having compassion for someone in need, sharing food, conversation, or just simply taking time...
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Kjc
April 27, 2026 at 10:47 AM

Wisdom of the saints for today. "Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to Him. That is all the doing you have to worry about " Saint Frances de Chantal. Incidentally that was the Church Kathy and I were married at. Prayers for Vicky G and Cheryl and your children. Ken

freeter
April 27, 2026 at 09:46 AM

Amen. :)

Holly
April 27, 2026 at 09:29 AM

Amen! Thank you Steve.

CBR
April 27, 2026 at 09:18 AM

I would like to pray for all those who lost a love one suddenly and all who don't know God the way I do help me show them the way Lord in your name I pray Amen Amen Amen

ADV
April 27, 2026 at 09:16 AM

AMEN!

Gary
April 27, 2026 at 09:16 AM

" A fresh Alleluia moment". This I can use ever day, especially when I am having difficulty choosing my path. Peace to everyone. Amen!

Steve Pable
April 27, 2026 at 11:58 AM

Amen indeed - thank you, Gary - I got a much needed Alleluia moment this morning, myself. Happy Easter!

Stormi
April 27, 2026 at 08:40 AM

Steve great reflection with inspiring words thank you. The struggles to know how and when to help others these days with all the controversy in the world these days. Faith, hope, peace and love to all. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. May the Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a more heavenly earth.

Steve Pable
April 27, 2026 at 11:59 AM

For sure, Stormi - thank you for the encouragement, and for your ongoing prayers and support for those who need a kind word or a way forward.

Mike
April 27, 2026 at 08:19 AM

Amen

Salina (not in control)
April 27, 2026 at 08:04 AM

Did you know that Peter was being called out by Paul for the same thing he called out to the circumcised believers in today’s passage? Peter is no different than any of us, pope or no pope! ****** While Peter and Paul were both remarkably used by God as apostles, Paul records an incident at Syrian Antioch in Galatians 2:11–14 that reminds us that even God’s apostles were only human and could make serious mistakes. *** Paul called out Peter in Galatians 2:11, “But when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I (Paul) opposed him (Peter) to his face, because he stood condemned.” *** Paul...
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Sarah
April 27, 2026 at 06:39 AM

Lovely. Thank you.

Cheryl
April 27, 2026 at 06:19 AM

Amen.. thank you Lord

Troy
April 27, 2026 at 05:44 AM

They questioned Peter, the first Pope, on his actions? Didn't they know who he was?

Lia
April 27, 2026 at 02:57 AM

“ Holy Spirit, point me to someone you want me to bless, encourage and pray for this week!” Amen

Man walking on the road with jeans and sneakers. Image by arrowsmith2 | stock.adobe.com
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