Universal Utterings

for September 20, 2026

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

09-20-2026 Philippians 1 v2026 Your Boasting In Christ Jesus

https://universalutterings.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/09-20-2026-Philippians-1-v2026-Your-Boasting-In-Christ-Jesus.mp3

The Letter to the Philippians Ch 1 Verse 20 thru 26

20 My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. 22 If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. 23 I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, [for] that is far better. 24 Yet that I remain [in] the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. 25 And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me when I come to you again.

In Philippians 1:20-26, the Apostle Paul eloquently expresses his profound commitment to magnifying Christ, whether through life or death. He boldly states, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” This declaration encapsulates the essence of a life wholly devoted to the service of Jesus, emphasizing that every moment is an opportunity for His glory to shine.

Paul, facing the prospect of imprisonment and potential execution, reflects on his life and mission. He does not see his circumstances as hindrances but as avenues to demonstrate the power and love of Christ. His desire to be with Christ after death sparks a tension within him; while he yearns for the eternal presence of Jesus, he recognizes the value of his continued ministry on earth for the sake of the believers in Philippi.

Like Paul, we are called to magnify Jesus in our bodies, whether we are thriving or struggling. This means that our everyday actions, words, and even our trials can illuminate Christ’s character to those around us. Every interaction carries the potential for us to reflect His love and grace, reminding others of His saving power.

When we grasp that our lives are intertwined with Christ, our perspective on life and death radically shifts. Life becomes a chance to serve, while death transforms into a hopeful gain—a reunion with our Savior. As we face our own challenges and uncertainties, let us hold fast to the truth of Paul’s words. In every situation, let us declare, like him, that Christ is our focus. Ultimately, may we live in such a way that whether in life or death, we glorify the name of Jesus. 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

09-20-2026 Philippians 1 v2026

Your Boasting In Christ Jesus

In chains of grace, Paul speaks his heart, 

With courage bold, a fervent part. 

For Christ, my hope, in life or death, 

To magnify Him with each and every breath. 

In ceaseless prayer, through trials faced, 

His spirit strong, unyielding and braced. 

To live is Christ, in honor’s light, 

In every struggle, faith ignites. 

Yet if I go, to gain the prize, 

In heaven’s arms, no more goodbyes. 

A yearning deep, to be with Him, 

Eternal joy, where love won’t dim. 

But here I stay, for your progress, 

To guide your hearts, through faith’s duress. 

My life I pour, a humble gift, 

In service bound, your souls uplift. 

Convinced of this, my duty clear, 

Together shared, in joy and fear. 

For whether here or heaven’s shore, 

I choose to love, and evermore. 

So let us strive, as one in grace, 

To honor Christ, our rightful place. 

With purpose found in every day, 

In life or death, we’ll find our way. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

September 20, 2026 @ 04:59 AM EST

® Universal Utterings ® is brought to you by;

† 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. †