Universal Utterings
for May 11, 2026
A Godcast
UniversalUtterings.Com
05-11-2026 Acts 16 V1118 A Worshiper Of God
The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 16 Verse 11 thru 15
11 We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace, and on the next day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We spent some time in that city. 13 On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there. 14 One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. 15 After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home,” and she prevailed on us.
Acts 16:11-15 presents a profound moment in the early church, showcasing the power of God to transform lives and extend grace to all. The narrative begins with Paul and his companions setting sail from Troas to Macedonia, led by divine direction. Upon arrival in Philippi, they seek a place of prayer and meet a group of women by the river, demonstrating how God often orchestrates divine appointments in unexpected settings.
Among these women is Lydia, a successful merchant of purple cloth, whose heart the Lord opens to hear Paul’s message. This moment underscores a vital truth: Salvation is an invitation, and Jesus calls individuals from every walk of life. Lydia exemplifies responsiveness to God’s invitation, as she not only accepts the message but also acts upon it by extending hospitality to Paul and his companions.
This passage teaches us that we, too, can prevail in God by being open to His leading and opportunities to share the gift of salvation with those we encounter. Just as Paul shared the message with Lydia, we are called to reach out with love and invite others into relationship with Christ. Our efforts, amplified by the Holy Spirit, can lead to transformational moments in the lives of others.
As you go about your day, remember that each encounter is an opportunity to share God’s invitation for salvation. It isn’t about our eloquence or strength, but rather about being faithful vessels through which God can work. Like Lydia, we need to be attentive and willing to respond to God’s calling, and by doing so, we can help others discover the grace and hope that comes through faith in Jesus. 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
05-11-2026 Acts 16 V1118
**A Worshiper Of God**
In a land where rivers gently flow,
To Philippi, Paul and companions go,
Sailing forth from Troas with faith and grace,
Seeking souls in each and every place.
They found a woman by the river’s side,
Lydia, a seller of purple, dignified.
A heart so open, like the skies above,
Worshiping the Lord, filled with tender love.
The message of Christ through Paul’s lips did flow,
And the Spirit moved, igniting her soul’s glow.
Her heart was stirred, her spirit set free,
In that sacred moment, she found the key.
“Come, let my home be a place of rest,
A haven for you, where hope is blessed.”
In the warmth of her love, she opened wide,
Her heart, her home, her arms open wide.
Oh, Lydia’s faith, a gentle testament,
Of how the Lord’s grace is freely sent.
In joy she believed, and in joy she gave,
A life transformed, a soul that He’d save.
So let us remember this tale of old,
How faith can awaken the hearts of the bold,
For in each small gesture, the Spirit will mend,
Uniting in love, forever our friend. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
May 11, 2026 @ 04:39 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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