Universal Utterings
for April 22, 2026
A Godcast
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04-22-2026 Acts 8 v0108 There Was Great Joy In That City
The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8 Verse One thru Eight
1 Now Saul was consenting to his execution. On that day, there broke out a severe persecution of the church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made a loud lament over him. 3 Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment. 4 Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Thus Philip went down to [the] city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. 8 There was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:1-8 presents a pivotal moment in the early church’s history, marked by the persecution that arose following Stephen’s martyrdom. Saul, later known as Paul, staunchly led this persecution, zealously seeking to imprison and silence the followers of Christ. Yet, this narrative reveals a deeper truth: even those who vehemently oppose the Church can be transformed and redeemed through the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
In these verses, the Church is scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, yet rather than extinguishing their faith, persecution serves to spread the Gospel. Philip, a deacon, boldly proclaims Christ in Samaria, performing miracles and bringing joy to the city. The church, under oppression, demonstrates remarkable resilience—an empowering example of faith amidst adversity.
This episode echoes the transformative journey of Saul. Initially, he represents the antagonistic force against Christianity, yet his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus leads to his radical conversion. Saul’s transformation into Paul not only signifies personal redemption but illustrates the limitless reach of God’s grace. No one is beyond hope; even the fiercest adversary can become a fervent advocate for the Gospel.
This message carries profound significance for us today. It serves as a reminder that those who persecute or oppose the church are not beyond salvation. By surrendering to Jesus as their Savior, they too can experience the life-changing power of God’s love. Just as Saul became Paul, they can embrace a new identity, one marked by grace and purpose. God calls us to pray for and share the message of hope with all, no matter their past. In the name of Jesus Christ, redemption awaits anyone willing to turn toward Him. 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. 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
04-22-2026 Acts 8 v0108
**There Was Great Joy In That City**
In ancient days beneath a sun so bright,
A tempest stirred in Jerusalem’s night.
Saul, fierce in his zeal, ignited the flame,
Against followers of Christ, he rose in disdain.
Through scattered streets, like whispers in the breeze,
The faithful fled, seeking pockets of peace.
Yet in their flight, God’s purpose took flight,
For they bore the seeds of hope, truth, and light.
Philip, bold evangelist, took his stand,
In Samaria’s midst, he extended God’s hand.
With words of grace, he healed the broken heart,
And from the depths of despair, joy would start.
Demons brought low, and the sick were made whole,
The people rejoiced, their spirits console.
For where despair had woven a shroud,
Now laughter and hope sang out loud.
“Here is a man sent to show us the way,
With power and mercy, he brightens our day.”
In the scattering, God’s love found its place,
In every heart, he painted His grace.
Oh, Acts of the apostles, the stories unfold,
In persecution, the Kingdom behold!
For when we are scattered, He calls us to share,
The love of the Savior, a light everywhere. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
April 22, 2026 @ 04:49 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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