Universal Utterings®
for September 29, 2024

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09-29-2024 Mark 9 V-3841 Whoever is not against is for us

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The Gospel of Mark Chapter 9 v- 38 thru 41

38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” 39 Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

Mark 9:38-41 presents a touching moment in the Gospel of Mark where the disciples express concern about someone casting out demons in Jesus' name who is not part of their group. John, one of the disciples, reports this to Jesus, indicating their desire to stop the man because he does not follow them. Jesus’ response is both instructive and inclusive, emphasizing the broader scope of His mission.

In verses 39-40, Jesus rebukes the disciples, stating, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” This highlights a key theme in Jesus’ teaching: the idea of unity among those who act in His name, regardless of their affiliation. It challenges the exclusivity often found within religious circles and encourages recognition of shared purpose among believers.

The passage culminates in verse 41, where Jesus asserts, “Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the value of even the smallest acts of kindness done in His name, reinforcing the importance of intention and service in the life of a follower.

Overall, Mark 9:38-41 illustrates Jesus' commitment to inclusivity and highlights the dangers of narrow-minded adherence among His followers. It serves as a reminder that the work of God can be accomplished through various individuals, and that all acts done in the spirit of His mission contribute to the broader Kingdom of God. This passage invites believers to embrace a spirit of cooperation and support among all who seek to serve Christ. 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

09-29-2024 Mark 9 V-3841

**Whoever is not against is for us**

In the heart of a crowd, the disciples confide,

“Lord, we’ve seen a stranger, casting demons aside.

He speaks in Your name, yet he walks not our way,

Shall we silence his voice, let him fade into gray?”

But Jesus, with wisdom, gently replies,

“Whoever works wonders in My name, never lies.

Do not hinder the one who seeks to believe,

For the heart that is open, in love will receive.”

“For those not against us, they stand by our side,

In the tapestry woven, let kindness abide.

A cup of cool water, given with grace,

Is treasured in heaven, a sacred embrace.”

So let not our hearts be confined by our walls,

In the name of the Savior, each echoing call.

For the work of His Spirit, through many can flow,

In the garden of faith, let together we grow.

With arms wide as oceans, let unity reign,

In the midst of our differences, love will sustain.

For the Kingdom is vast, and all who believe,

Share a mission of hope, and in grace, we receive. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

September 29, 2024 @ 04:34 AM EST

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