July 12

From: July 12, 2014

Today is my 56th birthday and this verse is more dear to me than ever. I have always loved it, but as I get older my love of the gospel “Good News” grows while my other cares decrease. When I was younger I had many cares. I sometimes struggled with being a people-pleaser. I wanted people to like me, to approve. I wanted to come across as being intelligent and witty. But I learned that people weren’t persuaded by intellectual arguments or cool cultural allusions. They needed the gospel. Only the gospel has the power to persuade and save. It is the power of God at work in me and in all who believe. I am thankful to God that He has given me another year of life to preach the Good News. I am not ashamed.

From: July 12, 2012

This is what “get-togethers” should accomplish– mutual encouragement of our faith. BTW, thanks to all for the birthday greetings today. You’ve encouraged me. I look forward to encouraging you back when next we get-together!

From: July 12, 2011

Paul did not hide nor withhold the gospel, even though it was the preaching of the gospel that had him in chains. Instead he used his chains as a platform to preach to Rome. He knew a freedom the world could not subdue.