Universal Utterings

for April 27, 2025

A Godcast

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04-27-25 John 20 v2429 Do Not Be Unbelieving But Believe

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The Gospel of John Chapter 20 Verses 24 thru 29

24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

In John 20:24-29, we encounter Thomas, often referred to as "Doubting Thomas." He struggles with disbelief after Jesus' resurrection, insisting that he must see and touch the wounds of Christ to believe. This story resonates deeply with many of us who have faced moments of doubt and skepticism in our own lives. I, too, have walked that path, once embodying a spirit of doubt and spite. My heart, laden with skepticism, clouded my perception of faith and joy.

Yet, everything transformed for me when I felt the undeniable call to surrender my life to Jesus. It was a simple but profound moment; all my fears and doubts seemed to fade away as I opened my heart to Him. Just as Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds, He beckoned me to lay my burdens down at His feet. The moment I surrendered my disbelief, I experienced an overwhelming surge of faith and peace that changed everything in an instant.

What I learned from this passage is that true belief can extinguish the shadow of doubt. Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This statement encapsulates the essence of faith: it transcends physical evidence and resonates deeply within our spirits. Following that moment of surrender, I found it impossible to look back; faith became my compass, guiding my life in ways I never thought possible.

As I reflect on the transformation from Doubting Thomas to a believer in Christ, I am reminded that faith is not merely a passive state but an active choice. May we all embrace that call to surrender and experience the life-changing power of true belief. 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. Day seven Pope Francis. 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

04-27-25 John 20 v2429

**Do Not Be Unbelieving But Believe**

In a dim room where shadows dwell,

Thomas lingered, doubts to quell.

“Unless I see and touch,” he cried,

His heart was heavy; hope had died.

The risen Christ appeared one day,

With wounds of love, He found His way.

“Touch My hands, see the scars anew,

Believe, dear Thomas, I’m here for you.”

Blessed are those who cannot see,

Yet trust in faith, believe in Me.

Each whispered promise, each gentle word,

A call to hope that must be heard.

So from that moment, doubt took flight,

Transformed by grace into the light.

A heart made whole, a soul set free,

In yielding faith, he found the Divine decree.

No longer lost in fear or spite,

He walked with Christ, embraced the light.

For faith, once seeded, can ignite,

A life transformed in love’s pure sight. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

April 27, 2025 @ 05:43 AM EST

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