Universal Utterings®
for August 9, 2024
A Godcast ® brought to you by
God First Ministries, Inc. 501c3
08-08-2024 Matthew 16 V-2427 Life Lose Cross His Take
The Book of Matthew 16 v- 24 thru 27
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct.
In Matthew 16:24-27, Jesus lays out a challenging but essential truth for those of us who consider our life surrendered as his follower: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My Sake will find it.”
These words emphasize the humility and selflessness required to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. They call us to deeper relationship with Him to deny oneself and take up one’s cross speaks of a willingness to let go of personal desires and ambitions in order to fully surrender to God’s will. This kind of humility is not easy, especially in the face of hatred and ignorance from others.
When people speak words of hate or ignorance towards us because of our faith, it can be tempting to respond in kind, to defend ourselves and assert our own beliefs. However, Jesus’ words remind us that true discipleship requires a different response. It calls for humility, patience, and love, even towards those who oppose us.
Enduring people’s words of hate and ignorance with grace and humility is a powerful testimony to the truth of God’s love. It reflects Jesus’ own example of humility and self-sacrifice on the cross. By choosing to follow in his footsteps, we demonstrate our trust in his promises and our willingness to prioritize his kingdom above all else.
In the face of adversity, let us remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:24-27 and strive to embody the humility and selflessness he calls us to. Maybe we find the strength to endure, the courage to love, and the faith to trust in God’s ultimate plan. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
08-08-2024 Matthew 16 V-2427
**Life Lose Cross of Humility Take**
Upon the path of faith we tread,
Where Jesus’ words are truly said,
To follow Him, we must deny,
Our selfish ways, our wants set aside.
Take up your cross, He gently calls,
Embrace the suffering, the humble falls,
For in losing our earthly life,
We find true peace amidst the strife.
In humility, we bow our heads,
Enduring hate, as Jesus led,
Through ignorance and words unkind,
God’s truth in us, a light to shine.
For what profit, to gain the world,
And lose our soul, our flag unfurled,
In surrendering all we hold dear,
We find our purpose, our mission clear.
So let us walk the narrow road,
With Christ our guide, our love bestowed,
For in losing ourselves, we truly find,
The abundant life, our hearts aligned.
May we embrace the call to bear,
Our cross with grace, our burdens share,
And in the footsteps of our Lord,
Find strength, find peace, forever restored. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
August 8, 2024 @ 07:05 AM EST
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