Universal Utterings

for February 21, 2025

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

02-21-25 Mark 8 v3438 Whoever is Ashamed of Me

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The Gospel of Mark Chapter 8 V- 34 and 38

34 He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said* to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. 36 What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? 37 What could one give in exchange for his life? 38 Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

In Mark 8:34-38, Jesus presents a powerful and challenging call to discipleship. He invites those who wish to follow Him to deny themselves, take up their cross, and embrace the path of sacrifice. This passage highlights a critical truth: there can be no neutrality when it comes to faith in Christ. To be a follower of Jesus means to fully acknowledge Him, without reservations or shame, as the Savior of the world.

Jesus warns that those who are ashamed of Him and His words in this adulterous and sinful generation will find themselves facing the same shame in the presence of Him when He returns in glory. This stark reminder emphasizes that we cannot sit on the fence when it comes to our relationship with Christ. It is a call to radical commitment. To be ashamed or hesitant about our faith is to deny the very essence of what it means to be a disciple—full surrender.

Our world often presents reasons to shy away from openly declaring our faith. Yet, Jesus calls us to a higher standard, reminding us that our allegiance to Him should transcend societal pressures or personal fears. Acknowledging Jesus requires a conscious decision to embrace Him publicly and wholeheartedly, valuing our relationship with Him above all else.

In completing this union with Christ, we are invited to trust Him completely—as our Savior, Redeemer, and Lord. True discipleship demands an unwavering commitment, a willingness to bear our own crosses, and a refusal to be ashamed of the Gospel, which is the power of salvation. A life surrendered to Christ is marked by courage, conviction, and a profound recognition of His love and authority over us. 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

02-21-2025 Mark 8 v3438

**Whoever is Ashamed of Me**

In shadows deep where doubts may tread,

The Savior speaks, “Come, follow Me instead.

Deny yourself, the path is steep,

Take up your cross, the burdens we’ll keep.

The world may scoff, its voices loud,

But faith will rise above the crowd.

To cling to Him—no shame, no fear,

In every trial, His love is near.

For what’s the gain in fleeting gold,

When souls are lost, their stories untold?

Ashamed? Not I, for He’s my Light,

In darkest hours, He shines so bright.

Each step of faith a sacred vow,

To live for Him, to take the bow.

A life transformed, renewed each day,

In Christ alone, we find our way.

So let us rise, our hearts ablaze,

Embrace the cross, our voices raise.

For in surrender, freedom’s near,

To live for Him, to persevere.

When He returns, in glory’s might,

We’ll stand unashamed, hearts pure and bright.

Forever His, in love we dwell,

In Christ our Hope, Emmanuel. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

February 21, 2025 @ 04:34 AM EST

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