Universal Utterings

for May 17, 2025

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05-17-25 Acts 13 v4452 The Word of the Lord Continued to Spread

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The Book of Acts Chapter 13 Verses 44 thru 52

44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’”48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.

In Acts 13:44-52, we witness a pivotal moment in the early church as the Apostle Paul and his companions face both acceptance and rejection of the Gospel. The passage begins with nearly the entire city gathering to hear the word of God, a testament to the Spirit's movement among the people. However, amidst the joy and excitement, the Jewish leaders react with envy and hostility, contradicting Paul and Barnabas, and even inciting others against them. This passage reveals a profound truth: not everyone will embrace the message of salvation.

In verses 51-52, Paul and Barnabas shake the dust from their feet in response to the rejection, signifying that they are leaving behind the hardness of hearts that oppose the truth of God. This act serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes we must distance ourselves from those who are entrenched in the ways of the world. While it can be disheartening to encounter resistance, it is crucial to remember that our mission as followers of Christ is not to force belief but to share the transformative message of His love.

Yet, even in moments of rejection, our response should not be one of bitterness or anger, but rather one of compassion. We are called to pray for those who have yet to know the salvation that comes through Christ. Each individual who does not respond to the Gospel remains a soul in need of grace, and our prayers can be a lifeline. We must remain steadfast in our efforts to shine the light of Christ into dark places, trusting that, like the early believers, we are called to persevere. Let us shake the dust from our feet, yet fervently pray for the lost, that they too may experience the joy of salvation. 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 Johnny Day Three. 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

05-17-25 Acts 13 v4452

**The Word of the Lord Continued to Spread**

In Antioch’s streets, the crowd draws near,

A buzz of hope, a whisper of cheer,

With eager hearts, they gathered for truth,

To hear of salvation, the promise of youth.

Paul stood to speak, a messenger bold,

Of grace and mercy, a story retold,

Yet shadows whispered from jealous disdain,

The truth met with scorn, and the Spirit faced pain.

For some hearts were open, like doors flung wide,

While others, like rocks, would not turn or abide,

With fervent resolve, Paul boldly proclaimed,

The love that redeems, the glory untamed.

Yet when they encountered the hardened and proud,

Paul shook off the dust, amidst murmurs loud,

A symbol of parting, a call to be free,

From those who reject what the heart cannot see.

But pray for the lost, those locked in the night,

For Christ seeks the wayward, extending His light,

With compassion, we long for their eyes to be clear,

To find in their hearts the truth they hold dear.

So let us go forth, to share and to sow,

With courage unyielding, with love’s gentle flow,

For some will embrace the message we bring,

And countless lives change when we trust and we sing. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

May 17, 2025 @ 05:34 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. †**