Universal Utterings

for May 1, 2025

A Godcast

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05-01-25 Acts 5 v2733 The Holy Spirit God Has Given

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The Book of Acts Chapter 5 Verses 27 thru 33

27 When they had brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, 28 “We gave you strict orders [did we not?] to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men.30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, as is the holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him.” 33 When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.

Acts 5:27-33 presents a powerful narrative illustrating the tension between religious authority and the emerging Christian faith. In this passage, the apostles are brought before the high council, where they face stern accusations for their teachings and actions in the name of Jesus. The religious leaders, fueled by jealousy and a desire to maintain their power, cannot tolerate the message of the apostles, who are gaining a following and challenging their established authority. This scenario serves as a poignant reminder that those who stand for truth often find themselves accused, even by those who claim to represent the divine.

In this moment, Peter and the other apostles boldly confront their accusers, declaring that they must obey God rather than human authorities. Their response is not one of submission to the self-serving judgments of the religious leaders. Instead, they reaffirm their commitment to their mission, highlighting the core of their message: the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which the leaders had tried to suppress. This confrontation unveils the heart of the issue—those in power often prioritize their interests over the truth, which can lead to the wrongful persecution of the faithful.

As readers reflect on this passage, it is crucial to recognize that accusations of wrongdoing can come from unexpected sources, including those who are supposed to be guardians of the faith. The apostles’ experience serves as a testament that the path of righteousness and truth is frequently met with resistance from the very institutions that one might expect to support it. It’s a sobering reminder that the protection of one's interests can cloud judgment, leading to a mischaracterization of the innocent as guilty.

Moreover, the vindication of the apostles is found not in the approval of the religious leaders but in the Spirit of Truth, which ultimately reveals the reality of their righteousness. The voices of the overzealous accusers may rise loudly, but the Spirit of Truth speaks clearly, transcending human judgment. True vindication comes from adhering to God's calling and standing firmly on the principles of Love and Truth. Thus, for those facing persecution or false accusations, let it be known that the Spirit will illuminate what is right, providing strength, clarity, and eventual recognition of the truth. 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. Day two CONCLAVE. 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

05-01-25 Acts 5 v2733

**The Holy Spirit God Has Given**

Amidst the shadows of the iron hall,

The apostles stood, their spirits high and bold,

Before the council’s jeering, wrathful thrall,

Accused of speaking truths they dared unfold.

Jealous hearts sought to silence light and grace,

Yet in the face of ire, they found their place.

"Did we not warn you, cease your blasphemy?"

The leaders spat, their power on the line,

But Peter spoke, his voice a clarion plea,

"We must obey the call of God’s design.

You claim to represent the holy Word,

Yet here, you serve the flesh, the voice unheard."

With every word, the truth pierced through the night,

A story of redemption hung in air,

Of Him who rose, restoring broken sight,

A life laid down, salvation’s gift laid bare.

The council fumed, their faces drawn with rage,

For truth unmasked, they found it hard to gauge.

Yet God’s own Spirit filled their hearts with fire,

To stand against the tide of dark reprisal,

For human judgment bent by selfish desire

Could never quell the sound of truth's arrival.

Their chains were forged in envy, greed, and pride,

But faith would soar, a beacon none could hide.

So let us heed the call, be not dismayed,

When accusations rain from those who fear,

For spirits true will guide our hearts unafraid,

In love and grace, the path ahead is clear.

Though shadows loom where righteous voices sing,

In faith, we stand, our hearts to God we bring. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

May 1, 2025 @ 04:54 AM EST

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