Universal Utterings
for August 12, 2026
A Godcast
UniversalUtterings.Com
08-12-2026 Matthew 18 v1520 There Am I In The Midst Of Them
The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 18 Verse 15 thru 20
15 “If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. 16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. 18 Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:15-20 addresses how to handle conflict and discord within the Christian community. In these verses, Jesus outlines a process for resolving disputes that promotes reconciliation and unity. First, we are called to confront a brother or sister who has sinned against us privately. This initial step emphasizes the importance of direct communication and accountability. By addressing the issue one-on-one, we give the offender a chance to rectify their actions without public shame.
If they refuse to listen, the next step involves bringing one or two others along as witnesses. This approach not only provides support to both parties but also ensures that the matter is treated with seriousness and grace. The emphasis here is on restoration rather than punishment, reflecting God’s desire for harmony among His followers.
Finally, if the person still remains unrepentant, the situation is to be brought before the church. This highlights the communal responsibility we have towards one another. The church, as the body of Christ, is tasked with maintaining unity and upholding biblical truth.
The passage concludes with Jesus emphasizing that when two or three gather in His name, He is present among them. This underscores the idea that when believers come together in agreement—whether in prayer, support, or correction—God’s presence is assured, and His blessings flow. Conversely, when there is disagreement and unresolved conflict, the atmosphere becomes one where God’s blessings are hindered.
In essence, Matthew 18:15-20 teaches us that reconciliation is God’s heart, and operating in harmony invites His presence. When we come together in unity, acknowledging our shared commitment to Him, we can rest assured that God is on our side. 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. Novena Day Four for Mike Carter. 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
08-12-2026 Matthew 18 v1520
**There Am I In The Midst Of Them**
In quiet whispers, hearts laid bare,
A call to love, a call to care.
When conflict rises, brethren stray,
Matthew speaks of a guiding way.
First, go alone, in humility,
Address the wrong with sincerity.
For healing flows where truth is shared,
A bond restored; a spirit spared.
If they won’t hear, take others too,
A witness strong, for all to view.
In sacred trust, united stand,
To seek the lost, united hand.
But if they turn, like dust in wind,
Then wider wings, let love rescind.
For in this gathering, echoes profound,
God’s presence dwells where hearts are found.
Where two or three in His name meet,
A holy space, where love’s complete.
In every prayer, in every sigh,
In unity’s bond, the soul can fly.
So let us walk, with grace adorned,
In kindness strive, where hearts are warmed.
For what we bind, in faith we weave,
Together in love, we shall believe. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
August 12, 2026 @ 04:57 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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