Universal Utterings

for September 11, 2026

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

09-11-2026 1 Corinthians 9 v1627 I Offer The Gospel Free Of Charge

https://universalutterings.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/09-11-2026-1-Corinthians-9-v1627-I-Offer-The-Gospel-Free-Of-Charge.mp3

The 1st Letter to the Corinthians Ch 9 Verse 16 thru 27

16 If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! 17 If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 19 Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew to win over Jews; to those under the law I became like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win over those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became like one outside the law—though I am not outside God’s law but within the law of Christ—to win over those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. 23 All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it. 24 Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. 25 Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. 26 Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. 27 No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

In 1 Corinthians 9:16-27, the Apostle Paul illustrates the essence of discipline, purpose, and the commitment required to run the spiritual race set before us. He passionately conveys that he does not merely run aimlessly; instead, he competes with an intention to win an imperishable crown. Unlike athletes in the world who strive for a fleeting prize—a trophy or a medal made of gold—our pursuit is for something far greater, eternal in nature, and imperishable. This profound truth serves as a reminder that our efforts, faith, and endurance in this life have eternal significance, transcending earthly accolades.

As we reflect on the call to diligent spiritual competition, let us also remember the weighty significance of today’s date, September 11. This day marks the anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks that shook our nation and the world in 2001. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, the importance of love and unity, and the pressing need for resilience in the face of adversity. Just as Paul urges us to run with purpose, may we also approach our lives with intention and grace, honoring those we lost and acknowledging the suffering in our world.

In this spiritual race, let us strive not for earthly treasures, but for the heavenly rewards that await us. Our journey may be fraught with challenges, much like the struggles we remember today, but we can find assurance in the hope we hold as believers. As we navigate our own races, let us be inspired by the greater purpose, the call to share love and hope, and the promise of the eternal crown awaiting us in heaven. 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

09-11-2026 1 Corinthians 9 v1627

I Offer The Gospel Free Of Charge

In the heart of the city where shadows entwine, 

A message awakens, both ancient and fine. 

Paul speaks of his calling, integrity's test, 

For woe to the preacher who offers less than best. 

For duty compels him, a fire in his soul, 

To share the Good News and help others be whole. 

Yet not for the bounty, nor crowns to be won, 

But to run with a purpose, to race ‘til it’s done. 

He labors like athletes who strive for the prize, 

Disciplining body, with fervor that flies. 

With passion unyielding, his mission rings clear, 

To save even one; through love, he draws near. 

He becomes like the Jew, to the Jew he belongs, 

Or like those under law, adapting, their songs. 

To the weak, he is weak; with all, he is one, 

A bridge for the lost, till the work is begun. 

He runs not in vain, nor in circles of time, 

But with rhythm and purpose, his heart is the rhyme. 

To finish the race, he keeps eye on the prize, 

An incorruptible crown, where glory never dies. 

So gather, dear friends, as we too take the stance, 

In this life’s grand arena, let’s heed the advance. 

With discipline, grace, and our spirit set free, 

Let’s run with conviction, in Christ we will be. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

September 11, 2026 @ 04:21 AM EST

® Universal Utterings ® is brought to you by;

† 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 [email protected], or given to GFM are tax deductible. †