Universal Utterings

for March 2, 2025

A Godcast

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03-02-25 Luke 6 v3742 Forgive and You Will Be Forgiven

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The Gospel of Luke Chapter 6 V- 37 and 42

37 “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. 38 Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” 39 And he told them a parable, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? 40 No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

In Luke 6:37-42, we are reminded to "judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned." At God First Ministries, we embody this teaching in our prison ministry, where we strive to look beyond the splinters in the eyes of the inmates and instead recognize the gifts each individual possesses. Each person has their own unique way of giving—contributions often overlooked by society. Our mission is to nurture these gifts, emphasizing that they are not merely takers of goodwill but potential givers in the kingdom of God.

Jesus provides profound guidance on how we interact with others, instructing us not to judge or condemn, but to embrace a spirit of grace and generosity. He reminds us that “with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). This teaching serves as a cornerstone for our work at God First Ministries, particularly here in the prison, where we strive to embody these principles.

Within the walls of correctional facilities, it can be all too easy to focus on the shortcomings and mistakes of inmates, to see them merely as their past actions. However, our mission compels us to look deeper, beyond the splinters in their eyes, recognizing instead the unique gifts that lie within each individual. We believe that every person, regardless of their situation, possesses the potential for growth, transformation, and service. More than just being takers of goodwill, we see them as future givers, capable of contributing positively to their communities and facilitating the work of God.

Our approach to ministry aligns closely with the message of Luke 6:40: “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” We view the inmates not just as individuals in need of deliverance but as aspiring children of God who, with the right training and nurturing, can emerge as powerful instruments for His kingdom. Through our bi-weekly sessions and fellowship, we teach them about the name of Jesus, instilling the seven sacraments in them as the identity of being beloved children of God. Our belief is that one day, these individuals will be fully equipped and eager to help others find their way to Christ.

As we reflect on this transformative journey, it’s essential to celebrate the small acts of kindness and community that foster hope and connection. For instance, today, we are serving a hearty breakfast to 40 inmates, prepared with love and dedication from 80 cracked eggs sourced from my backyard chicken coop. This simple meal is more than just a source of nourishment; it represents community, warmth, and the joy of sharing God's blessings. Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, we strive to offer sustenance and compassion, reminding each individual of their worth and potential. Today first and foremost we also provide the Lord’s Supper, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in a Eucharistic Service we call a Eucharistic Celebration.

Through our prison ministry, we emphasize the importance of seeing oneself as a child of God—flawed but worthy of grace. In Romans 3:23, we are reminded that “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Acknowledging this truth helps to foster empathy among us, enabling us to extend love and support rather than judgment. When we see our own imperfections, we can approach others with humility and kindness, remembering that God’s mercy is available to all.

In engaging with the inmates, we commit to building them up, reminding them that they are not alone on their journey to redemption. Each interaction becomes an opportunity for growth, healing, and empowerment. We hope they leave our gatherings with renewed spirits and strengthened convictions, prepared to share the love of Christ with others.

God First Ministries stands firm in our mission to serve, focusing on the gifts within each inmate and the potential they possess to transform lives, including their own. It is our prayer that, through our actions, we can honor the teachings of Scripture and reflect Christ’s love in all we do. 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. 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

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

03-02-2025 Luke 6 v3742

**Forgive and You Will Be Forgiven**

In the quiet heart where judgment clings,

“Do not condemn,” the Savior sings.

With mercy’s lens, let kindness be,

For we, too, walk imperfections free.

Look not in the eye upon splinters so small,

For in each opened soul, there’s worth in all.

Gifts hidden deep in shadows cast,

God’s love awaits—our future vast.

In prison’s walls where hope seems thin,

We see the light that lies within.

With open hands, we gather near,

As brothers and sisters, we cast out fear.

“Fully trained, they will rise,” He said,

As we plant seeds, though seldom fed.

In the Name of Jesus, love’s embrace,

Transforms the heart to seek His face.

And as we serve with humble grace,

We gather strength in every space.

With cracked eggs from the coop so small,

We share a feast, God’s love for all.

So let us walk in mercy’s truth,

Extend a hand, renew our youth.

For with the measure that we eternally share,

We build His kingdom—our love laid bare. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

March 2, 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], mailed to 1350 Aldo Rd. Babson Park, FL 33827, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**