Universal Utterings

for September 5, 2026

A Godcast

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09-05-2026 1 Corinthians 4 v0616 I Urge You Be Imitators Of Me

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The 1st Letter to the Corinthians Ch 4 Verse 6 thru 16

6 I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another. 7 Who confers distinction upon you? What do you possess that you have not received? But if you have received it, why are you boasting as if you did not receive it? 8 You are already satisfied; you have already grown rich; you have become kings without us! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we also might become kings with you. 9 For as I see it, God has exhibited us apostles as the last of all, like people sentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and human beings alike. 10 We are fools on Christ’s account, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad and roughly treated, we wander about homeless 12 and we toil, working with our own hands. When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we respond gently. We have become like the world’s rubbish, the scum of all, to this very moment. 14 I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16 Therefore, I urge you, be imitators of me.

In 1 Corinthians 4:6-16, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the paradox of the Christian life, where foolishness is transformed into divine wisdom, and weakness is revealed as strength through Christ. Paul's message speaks emotionally to contemporary believers, reminding them that their commitment to Christ may lead them to appear foolish in the eyes of the world. Yet, this apparent folly is, in reality, profound wisdom, grounded in the truth and love of Jesus.

Paul illustrates the life of a true servant of Christ, stating that when we are ridiculed for our faith, we are called not to retaliate but to bless. This countercultural response shifts our perspective, allowing us to remain steadfast in our witness and embody the love that Christ exemplified. When faced with persecution, believers are encouraged to endure, drawing strength from their relationship with God, who empowers them to withstand trials.

Moreover, when slandered, rather than lashing out, we should respond with gentleness, reflecting the character of Christ who, despite his suffering, remained gracious and forgiving. Paul’s exhortation to consider oneself a “fool for Christ” is not an invitation to embrace shame, but to recognize that true identity and strength come from being anchored in Him.

As we navigate our journey of faith, let us remember that in our moments of weakness, we are undeniably strong, and in our vulnerability, we invite God's power to work through us. As Paul encourages the Corinthians, he also urges us today to imitate him and follow his example of humility and love. In embodying this truth, we become conduits of God’s grace, impacting the world around us even amidst our trials. 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

09-05-2026 1 Corinthians 4 v0616

I Urge You Be Imitators Of Me

In Corinth's heart, a lesson shared, 

A call for wisdom, a truth laid bare, 

A tapestry woven, each thread divine, 

In Paul’s wise words, let the spirit shine. 

“Don’t puff your chest,” the apostle implores, 

For wisdom is found, not in worldly shores. 

We’re stewards of grace, in Christ’s holy name, 

Not guardians of secrets, nor seekers of fame. 

He shows us the path of humility's way, 

To plant seeds of love in each word we say. 

“Consider us servants, entrusted to care, 

For the treasure of faith we willingly share.” 

Oh, the foolishness deemed by the world’s keen eye, 

Turns out wisdom, when love does not die. 

For in weakness, we find the strength to endure, 

A light in the darkness, steadfast and pure. 

He speaks of the trials, the hardships we face, 

As kings of the earth wear a smug, empty grace. 

But the followers of Christ, through sorrow and strife, 

Embrace the cross and discover true life. 

“Imitate me, not for boast or for pride, 

But in humbleness, let our hearts abide.” 

Like a father, he guides with a love that is bold, 

Inviting the weary to share in his fold. 

So let us remember, in each heart's decree, 

The wisdom of Paul, a call to be free. 

In service and kindness, with hearts intertwined, 

We shine as reflections of the love in Christ’s design. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

September 5, 2026 @ 04:29 AM EST

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