Universal Utterings

for August 8, 2025

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08-08-2025 Matthew 16 v2428 He Will Repay Everyone for Their Conduct

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 16 Verses 24 thru 28

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct. 28 Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

In Matthew 16:24-28, Jesus presents a profound teaching about the cost of discipleship and the necessity of self-denial for those who wish to follow Him. He calls His followers to take up their cross, indicating that the path of faith is not one of comfort but of sacrifice. This invitation challenges us to evaluate where our ultimate allegiance lies and urges us to reconsider our priorities in life.

Jesus emotionally states, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” This paradox highlights the eternal truth that clinging to worldly desires, status, and comforts can lead to spiritual bankruptcy. In the relentless pursuit of worldly gains, we risk forfeiting our souls, making it crucial to understand that our actions have eternal consequences. What we choose to value in this life shapes our existence in the next.

Moreover, Jesus emphasizes that the Son of Man will come in glory, ensuring that our choices are not without accountability. His return will reveal the righteousness of those who have followed Him faithfully and the futility of those who have chased temporal gain. This is a powerful reminder that our earthly decisions carry weight beyond our immediate experience.

As believers, we are called to reflect on our lives and ensure that we are not seduced by the allure of this world. Let us take up our crosses, embracing the challenges that come with true discipleship. In doing so, we will not only find fulfillment in Him but also secure our eternal destiny. As we follow Christ, may we remember that losing our life for His sake is the pathway to true life—an everlasting communion with Him. 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

08-08-2025 Matthew 16 v2428

**He Will Repay Everyone for Their Conduct**

In shadows cast by worldly schemes,

A call resounds through sacred dreams,

“Deny yourself, embrace the strife,

For only then, you'll find true life.”

To take the cross, to walk His way,

Is not to stumble, but to sway,

With burdens felt, yet burdens shared,

In love’s embrace, we find we're bared.

For those who chase the fleeting gain,

Will one day find a bitter strain;

But losing all for Christ’s own sake,

Will lead to joys that cannot break.

The Son of Man in glory reigns,

With truth that shakes the earth’s old chains;

Each heart laid bare, each choice laid clear,

Eternal paths draw ever near.

So heed the call, O faithful soul,

In sacrifice, you’ll find your Eternal role;

For in the cross, true freedom lies,

With every step, behold the prize. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 8, 2025 @ 05:44 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. †**