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May 7, 2026

God’s Great Gifts

Martin Wiles (South Carolina)   |   Read 1 Peter 3:13-17

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Lectionary Week
May 4–10, 2026
Scripture Overview

Three of our passages this week touch on what God has done for us. Paul, in the Acts passage, confronts people who made space to worship an unknown God, apparently in an effort to cover all of their bases. He tells them who this unknown God is. First Peter relates the work of Christ on the cross and beyond, culminating in his resurrection. These two passages focus on God’s work through Christ, and the psalmist, writing before the coming of the Messiah, praises God for all God has done. Finally, Jesus, in the John passage, reminds us of an added gift believers now have: the Holy Spirit. The Easter season gives us an opportunity to reflect on God’s great gifts to us.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 17:22-31. What would you tell someone about God if they knew little or nothing?
Read Psalm 66:8-20. What are some things for which you praise God?
Read 1 Peter 3:13-22. How have you suffered for taking a stand for Christ?
Read John 14:15-21. How do you experience God’s continual presence with you through the Holy Spirit?

Respond by posting a prayer.

1 Peter 3:13-17

13 Who will harm you if you are zealous for good? 14 But happy are you, even if you suffer because of righteousness! Don’t be terrified or upset by them. 15 Instead, regard Christ as holy in your hearts. Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it. 16 Yet do this with respectful humility, maintaining a good conscience. Act in this way so that those who malign your good lifestyle in Christ may be ashamed when they slander you. 17 It is better to suffer for doing good (if this could possibly be God’s will) than for doing evil.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Once a member and leader of the Communist Party in India, my friend now ministers to women and orphans. We have corresponded through social media outlets for years. Meeting Jesus transformed his life, but his decision did not come without a price. He regularly updates me on what God is...

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Jesus, help me to follow in your footsteps of peace, even when I face suffering for your cause. Amen.


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