Universal Utterings®
for August 4, 2024

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08-04-2024 Ephesians 4 V-1724 God’s Way Created

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The Book of Ephesians 4 v- 17 thru 24

17 So I declare and testify in the Lord that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; 18 darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance, because of their hardness of heart, 19 they have become callous and have handed themselves over to licentiousness for the practice of every kind of impurity to excess. 20 That is not how you learned Christ, 21 assuming that you have heard of him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus, 22 that you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Ephesians 4:17-24 serves as a profound guide for Christians in how to live a life that reflects their faith in God. These verses emphasize the transformation that should occur in one's life upon accepting Christ, contrasting it with the futility of a life lived in ignorance and separation from God. Here, I'll discuss how these verses can inspire a Christian to separate from those who live in spiritual ignorance while still praying for them with humility and compassion.

Separating Yourself from Ignorance- Paul's message in these verses is clear: Christians are called to live differently from those who are ignorant of God's truths. It is a call to transformation, to "put off your old self" and "put on the new self." This transformation requires a conscious effort to separate oneself from behaviors, attitudes, and associations that lead away from God.

However, this separation is not about arrogance or self-righteousness. It's about recognizing the need for a spiritual environment that nurtures one's faith and helps one grow in righteousness and holiness. It involves setting boundaries with those whose lifestyles and values are fundamentally opposed to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

By Praying for Them in All Humility assures you the Salvation God calls you to live in His Son Christ Jesus! While separation is sometimes necessary for spiritual health, remember it must be balanced with a compassionate heart. Ephesians 4:17-24 reminds us of the ignorance and darkened understanding that separates others from God. This awareness should drive us to pray for them earnestly, recognizing how much they miss the mark when it comes to experiencing the fullness of Christ's love and sacrifice. Let us pray for the lost and heavy hearted now.

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose Body and Blood are given to us in the Holy Eucharist. I acknowledge the profound mystery and immense grace present in the Sacrifice of the Mass, where we receive the Bread of Life, the true presence of Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Lord, I lift up to You those who are separated from this life-giving sacrament through ignorance or hardened hearts. I pray for the many I encounter each day who may be walking in darkness, unaware of the deep love and grace that You offer through the Eucharist.

Father, I ask for Your mercy upon them. Open their eyes to the truth of Your love and the transformative power of the Mass. Soften their hearts and dispel the ignorance that keeps them distant from You. Let the light of Christ shine upon their path, guiding them toward the fullness of faith and the richness of life in You.

In my own life, help me to be a humble witness of Your grace. Let my actions and words reflect the love and compassion of Christ. Give me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, always acting in love and never in judgment.

Lord, I pray that they may one day come to partake in the Holy Eucharist with a heart full of faith, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ with reverence and awe. May they experience the boundless love and mercy that flows from this sacrament, transforming their lives and drawing them closer to You.

I trust in Your infinite wisdom and love, knowing that You desire all people to come to the knowledge of the truth and to be saved. Use me, Lord, as an instrument of Your peace and love, and may Your will be done in their lives.

I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

08-04-2024 Ephesians 4 V-1724

**God’s Way Created**

In the shadow of the old ways,

Where minds were dark and hearts astray,

We wandered far from truth and light,

In ignorance, we lost our sight.

The callous hearts, devoid of care,

In futile thoughts, we laid them bare,

A path that led to greed and vice,

In sin's embrace, we paid the price.

But you have learned a brighter way,

In Christ, the truth and life display,

To cast aside the former man,

And follow now the Master's plan.

Put off the old, corrupt with lies,

Renew your minds, let spirits rise,

In righteousness and holiness,

Dress in the robes of His likeness.

Created new in God's own form,

In love and truth, we are reborn,

No longer walk in darkened plight,

For in His grace, we find the light.

So live in truth, and walk in love,

With hearts set on the things above,

In unity, let spirits soar,

As one in Christ, forevermore. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 4, 2024 @ 06:19 AM EST

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