Universal Utterings®
for October 10, 2024

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10-10-2024 Acts 16 V-1315 Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

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The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 16 v- 13 thru 15

13 On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there. 14 One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. 15 After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home,” and she prevailed on us.

In Acts 16:13-15, we find a poignant account of the Apostle Paul and his companions as they arrive in Philippi. On the Sabbath, they seek a place of prayer by the river and encounter a group of women, including Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. As Paul speaks, the Lord opens Lydia's heart, and she embraces the message of Salvation. This moment is a beautiful illustration of divine connection and transformation.

When I reflect on this passage, I am reminded of the profound joy that comes from sharing God's Word with others. Just as Lydia listened intently, her heart receptive to the Gospel, I often experience a similar thrill when I speak about the faith, hope and love found in Christ. There is a unique energy that flows in those moments—an unspoken understanding between souls yearning for truth. When I see someone’s eyes light up, curiosity piqued and hope ignited, it feels as if a bridge is formed, connecting us through faith.

The act of sharing the Gospel is not merely a task; it is a sacred privilege. The parallels between Lydia's experience and my own encounters with those eager to hear about Salvation are striking. In both cases, the Holy Spirit works to soften hearts and open minds. Each conversation is a reminder that we are called to sow seeds of faith, trusting that God will cultivate them.

Just as Lydia and her household were baptized, embracing their new faith, I cherish the moments when others respond to the message of Salvation with enthusiasm and openness. It is in these shared experiences that the transformative power of God's love becomes palpable, encouraging us to continue sharing His Word with passion and purpose. 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 say:

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 for ever. Amen.

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

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

10-10-2024 Acts 16 V-1315

**Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son**

By the riverside on a Sabbath day,

Paul and his companions made their way,

To seek a place of prayer and grace,

Where hearts would gather in a sacred space.

Among the women, a seeker stood,

Lydia, a dealer of fine purple goods.

Her heart was open, her spirit keen,

Ready to hear what Salvation means.

With earnest words, Paul shared the truth,

Of love and mercy, of hope and youth.

As he spoke, the Spirit drew near,

Opening hearts, dispelling fear.

Lydia listened, her soul ablaze,

In the light of the Gospel, she found her place.

As the truth took root, a new life began,

In the heart of a woman, a faithful plan.

“Come, be baptized,” she urged with delight,

Her household gathered, joy shining bright.

In water they plunged, in faith they rose,

A community born, where love overflows.

Oh, to witness that moment divine,

When hearts embrace the Savior’s sign.

Like Lydia, we yearn for the Word to unfold,

In every conversation, a story retold.

So let us share with passion and grace,

The message of hope in every place.

For when we speak, may eyes brightly gleam,

As souls awaken to God’s sweetest dream. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

October 10, 2024 @ 04:44 AM EST

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