Universal Utterings

for August 7, 2026

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

08-07-2026 Matthew 16 v2428 Repay Everyone According To His Conduct

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 16 Verse 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 lays out profound and challenging teachings about the cost of discipleship. He begins by inviting those who wish to follow Him to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. This call to self-denial signifies more than just momentary sacrifices; it emphasizes a fundamental transformation in priorities and desires. By denying our own worldly ambitions and pursuits, we acknowledge that true life is found in Christ alone.

Jesus further warns that gaining the whole world while forfeiting one's soul is a grave misjudgment. Our earthly lives, steeped in materialism and self-centeredness, can easily distract us from what matters most—our eternal souls. In this context, every decision and conduct in life carries weight, impacting our spiritual eternity. It’s a sobering reminder that our actions reflect our values, and how we live speaks volumes about our allegiance to Christ.

Moreover, Jesus assures us that there will be a reckoning—He will repay each according to their conduct. This divine justice draws attention to the reality that our choices have eternal ramifications. If we shy away from the cross, prioritizing comfort and self-preservation over faithfulness to Christ, we jeopardize the eternal life He promises. Conversely, embracing the cross—a symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and commitment—reveals our true discipleship and love for Him.

As we reflect on these verses, let us consider our own lives. Are we willing to confront our selfish desires, take up our crosses daily, and steadfastly follow Jesus? The path of discipleship is challenging, but it is the journey that leads to eternal life. May we remain steadfast in our commitment, knowing that we will be rewarded according to our faithfulness. 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

08-07-2026 Matthew 16 v2428

Repay Everyone According To His Conduct

In whispered winds upon the hill, 

A call to hearts, so strong and still, 

"Who wishes to follow, take up your cross, 

For in losing your life, you'll find what’s not lost."

Forsake the world with all its gain, 

For fleeting treasures bring only pain. 

What profits man, if he gains the world whole, 

And forfeits the essence of his very soul?

In shadows deep where struggles lie, 

Seek the light, let your spirit fly. 

For the Son of Man, with glory divine, 

Will come in the clouds, through time's sacred line.

O faithful heart, your journey begins, 

Release your burdens, let love eternally in. 

Each step you take aligns with grace, 

In losing yourself, you’ll find your place.

So heed the call of the ancient text, 

In service and love, let your life be vexed. 

For in sacrifice, true freedom is found, 

In the Kingdom of Heaven, your treasure unbound. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 7, 2026 @ 04:44 AM EST

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