Universal Utterings

for July 6, 2025

A Godcast

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07-06-2025 Galatians 6 1418 I Bear the Marks of Jesus

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The Letter to the Galatians 6 Verses 14 thru 18

14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. 17 From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Galatians 6:14-18 offers profound reflections on our identity as new creations in Christ, emphasizing that our lives are fundamentally transformed through faith. Paul writes, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Here, the Apostle points us to the cross as the source of our salvation and identity. It is through this transformative experience that we are liberated from the bondage of sin and death, entering into a life rooted in love and grace.

As new creations, we find our life’s purpose infused with a deep sense of liberty—not the freedom to indulge in worldly desires, but the freedom to love and serve others authentically. This liberty is a hallmark of our salvation, allowing us to embrace the joy of eternal life. By relinquishing our past selves, we become part of the family of God, where we can extend His grace and understanding to those around us.

Paul further emphasizes that “new creation” is not just an individual transformation; it signifies a collective newness in the community of believers. In Christ, distinctions that once divided us fall away. We are united not by earthly standards, but by the love of God, which transcends all barriers.

Saint Paul powerfully illustrates the transformative grace of Christ, particularly for those who may feel imprisoned by past mistakes and failures. Paul emphasizes that our true identity is not defined by our history but by our new creation in Christ. When we accept His sacrifice, we are liberated from the guilt and condemnation that can bind us like chains. The cross becomes our symbol of freedom, reminding us that our sins—while weighty—are forgiven, and we are now declared innocent.

This profound truth offers a fresh start; it wipes the slate clean, allowing us to walk in the joy of salvation, free from the burden of past errors. In this new life, we are empowered to embrace our freedom in Christ and live in a way that reflects His love and grace to others, showing that no mistake is greater than His mercy. In essence, we are not just released from our past; we are beautifully remade, wearing the mantle of innocence and renewed purpose as we navigate life in Him.

Finally, as we contemplate the weight of these verses, we are reminded that our boast is not in our achievements but in the work Christ completed for us. This understanding imbues our lives with a sublime joy rooted in hope—assured of eternal life and the love that accompanies it. Therefore, we are called to embody life, liberty, and love in our everyday interactions, shining as lights in a world longing for truth, hope, and grace. 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

07-06-2025 Galatians 6 1418

**I Bear the Marks of Jesus**

In the shadow of the cross we stand,

Where grace pours forth—a gentle hand,

No boast in self, no claim to fame,

But in Christ's love, we find our name.

Past mistakes, like chains, may bind,

Yet in His mercy, we are eternally defined,

No longer prisoners of guilt and shame,

For He redeems us; we’re new, not the same.

From the dust of sin, we rise anew,

In the light of grace, our hearts break through,

Alive in His freedom, we walk with joy,

Life eternal, nothing can destroy.

With love as our compass, we journey on,

Unified in purpose, together we’re strong,

A family of believers, one heart, one soul,

In His tender mercy, we are all made whole.

Each step we take, a story to tell,

Of the Savior's kindness; all is well,

In the beauty of the gospel, we find our worth,

A new creation in Christ, our place on Earth.

So let us boast not in our strife,

But in the cross that gives us life,

For in His arms, forever we’ll dwell,

Galatians’ truth—we know it well. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

July 6, 2025 @ 04:44 AM EST

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