Universal Utterings

for May 15, 2026

A Godcast

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05-15-2026 Acts 18 V0918 Paul Had Taken A Vow

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The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 18 Verse 9 thru 18

9 One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.” 11 He settled there for a year and a half and taught the word of God among them. 12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him to the tribunal, 13 saying, “This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews, “If it were a matter of some crime or malicious fraud, I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews; 15 but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and titles and your own law, see to it yourselves. I do not wish to be a judge of such matters.” 16 And he drove them away from the tribunal. 17 They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official, and beat him in full view of the tribunal. But none of this was of concern to Gallio. 18 Paul remained for quite some time, and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had his hair cut because he had taken a vow.

In Acts 18:9-18, we witness a pivotal moment in the life of the Apostle Paul as he continues his mission to spread the gospel. In this passage, the Lord reassures Paul in a vision, encouraging him to continue speaking boldly in Corinth, despite the challenges he faced. Paul's commitment to God is further demonstrated when he takes a vow and cuts his hair, a symbolic act of dedication. This vow signifies not just a moment of commitment but a life enveloped in the service of Christ.

As modern believers, we might not take vows of such physical manifestation, but we are called to create a similar commitment in our daily lives. Cutting off one’s hair might signify a radical change, yet what truly matters is our willingness to cut away distractions and place God at the forefront of our lives.

Living a life that glorifies God requires daily choices that reflect our commitment to Christ as our Savior. It calls for prioritizing spiritual practices like prayer, reading the Word, and engaging in community worship. By centering our lives around God’s principles, we develop a stronger relationship with Him, akin to Paul’s vow.

Let us remember that each day provides an opportunity to “cut off” anything that hinders our spiritual growth. Whether it's the temptation of distraction, doubt, or worldly pursuits, we can resolve to place Christ first in our hearts and actions. May this commitment resonate with our lives, inspiring us to live out our faith authentically. In doing so, we reflect the transformative power of God's love. 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

05-15-2026 Acts 18 V0918

**Paul Had Taken A Vow**

In Corinth's embrace, where shadows reside,

A vision appeared, where fear sought to hide.

"Do not be afraid," a voice from above,

"Speak boldly, my servant, and share of my love."

For Paul, weary preacher, in trials he toiled,

Yet faith was his anchor, though often he boiled.

With dangers encircling, he pondered each night,

But God's gentle whisper assured him of light.

"Many in this city are hearts yet to find,

Their hopes and their longings entwined in the blind.

Stay here, for I’m with you, no harm shall you face,

In the heart of this city, I’ve carved out your place."

So Paul heeded counsel, his voice like a flame,

Proclaiming the message, he spoke in His name.

The city was stirred, as truth took its hold,

In the face of the doubt, brave stories were told.

A gathering formed, the believers grew strong,

With Silas and Timothy, they sang the sweet song.

Yet amidst the great trials that followed each day,

The Spirit affirmed him in marvelous ways.

With Crispus the ruler, the bold choice was made,

To follow the Savior, his heart unafraid.

Through trials and triumphs, together they’d stand,

A community blossomed, united they would stand.

So let us be like Paul, in courage we’ll rise,

With faith as our shield ‘neath the vast, open skies.

For in every struggle, God whispers the same,

"Fear not, I am with you; go spread My Name." Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

May 15, 2026 @ 04:44 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 [email protected], or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**