Universal Utterings

for May 5, 2026

A Godcast

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05-05-2026 Acts 14 v1928 They Had Been Commanded To The Grace Of God

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The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 14 Verse 19 thru 28

19 However, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered around him, he got up and entered the city. On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21 After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. 22 They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” 23 They appointed presbyters for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith.24 Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.25 After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now accomplished. 27 And when they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 Then they spent no little time with the disciples.

In Acts 14:19-28, we witness a pivotal moment in the early church as the apostles Paul and Barnabas continue their mission despite facing significant challenges. Paul, having been stoned and left for dead, rises to continue preaching the Gospel, exemplifying unwavering commitment to the call of Christ. His resilience serves as a profound lesson for all believers: in the face of adversity, we are reminded to rely on God’s grace to guide us in our endeavors.

After Paul and Barnabas returned to the cities they had evangelized, they gathered the disciples, encouraging and strengthening them in their faith. They appointed leaders and prayed over them, committing them to the grace of God for the work ahead. This act of commendation highlights the essential role of grace in our lives; it is through God’s grace that we are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission and serve our communities.

As we reflect on this passage, it becomes clear that the challenges we encounter in our mission work, however daunting, are met with the empowering grace of God. Each one of us is called to engage actively in the work of the Gospel, whether through big or small acts of service. Like Paul and Barnabas, we are encouraged to go forth boldly, trusting that it is God who equips us—bestowing upon us gifts and strengths to accomplish His purposes.

In a world often fraught with uncertainty and resistance, let us be inspired by the example set in Acts 14. Together, let us carry the message of hope and salvation in the name of Jesus, commending ourselves and our efforts to the grace of God. 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. Novena Day Six for Ivanna Barrios for cancer. 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

05-05-2026 Acts 14 v1928

**They Had Been Commanded To The Grace Of God**

In a town where shadows loom and rise,

A crowd turned fierce, with vengeful eyes.

Stoning Paul, their hearts aflame,

In fury's grip, they called his name.

Yet in the dust, when hope seemed lost,

A spark of faith, they’d pay the cost.

Though bruised and battered, he stood tall,

For the love of Christ would conquer all.

From Lystra’s streets to Iconium's gate,

He journeyed on, through trials and fate.

With Barnabas, his steadfast friend,

They preached the Word, their lives to blend.

“To strengthen hearts,” they boldly said,

“Embrace the path that Christ has led.

Through trials many, we must go,

For through the pain, His love will flow.”

In each hard battle, they found the grace,

Of gathering souls in every place.

The elder’s hands laid firm and strong,

Through prayer and faith, they carried on.

From town to town, the news spread wide,

Of hope renewed, where none could hide.

With every story of grace unfurled,

They changed the hearts of all the world.

So let us heed this tale of yore,

In every trial, seek the door

To hope and love, where Christ is near,

For in the storms, He calms our fear.

Acts of courage, faith anew,

In every heart, let this ring true:

Through trials faced, in love we'll stand,

Together, united, hand in hand. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

May 5, 2026 @ 04:37 AM EST

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