Universal Utterings
for February 11, 2026
A Godcast
UniversalUtterings.Com
02-11-2026 Mark 7 v1423 All These Evils Come From Within
The Gospel of Mark Chapter 7 Verse 14 thru 23
14 He summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. 15 Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” [16] 17 When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. 18 He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, 19 since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 “But what comes out of a person, that is what defiles. 21 From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. 23 All these evils come from within and they defile.”
Mark 7:14-23 presents a pivotal teaching of Jesus concerning the nature of defilement and what truly constitutes sin. In this passage, Jesus addresses the crowd, emphasizing the importance of inner purity over external rituals. He challenges prevailing Jewish customs that equated physical cleanliness with spiritual righteousness, a concept deeply ingrained in the religious understanding of the time.
Jesus asserts that it is not what enters the body that defiles a person — such as unwashed hands or certain foods — but rather what comes from the heart. This radical statement shifts the focus from ritual practices to the moral and spiritual condition of individuals. He explains that evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness arise from within. This internal perspective highlights the idea that true impurity stems from human thoughts and intentions, not merely from external actions or dietary laws.
By emphasizing the heart’s role, Jesus invites his listeners to examine their inner lives and confront the root causes of their behavior. This teaching serves as a profound reminder that ethical and spiritual integrity begins within, requiring self-examination and a transformation of one’s inner thoughts and motivations.
The passage ultimately calls for a deeper understanding of one’s relationship with God and others, moving beyond legalistic traditions toward a genuine, heart-based faith. It challenges individuals and communities to prioritize authentic love and righteousness over ritual and appearance, a theme that resonates throughout Jesus’ ministry. In essence, Mark 7:14-23 is a call to recognize the significance of inner purity and the moral implications of our thoughts and intentions, urging believers to cultivate a heart aligned with God’s will. 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 pray:
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 forever.
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. Novena Day Five for the love of James. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
02-11-2026 Mark 7 v1423
**All These Evils Come From Within**
In Galilee, where crowds did roam,
A man of wisdom called them home,
With parables that pierced the heart,
He spoke of truth, a brand new start.
“Listen well,” He said with grace,
“It’s not what’s outward that we truly face,
But from within, the heart’s eternal design,
Outflows the thoughts that blind and intertwine.
For it’s not food that makes you unclean,
Nor traditions that man has deemed,
But evil thoughts and wicked ways,
That lead the soul to darkened days.
From hearts arise the storms of strife:
Folly and greed, the taint of life,
Adultery, theft, and slander,
These are the seeds that we must ponder.
Envy and pride, the lusts of man,
Unrighteousness within the span,
These are the shadows we must fight,
Turning from darkness to seek the light.
So cleanse your heart, let love be true,
For all that’s pure must first come through,
In every deed, in every word,
Let kindness and peace be what’s heard.
For life anew springs from this root,
A heart transformed bears righteous fruit,
In actions true, let mercy flow,
In the depths of love, let spirit grow.”
In ancient words yet ever clear,
The call to heed is still right here.
From deep within, our better ways,
Awake, arise to brighter heavenly days. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
February 11, 2026 @ 04:38 AM EST
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**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using GodFirstforJesus@gmail.com, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**
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