On this day in history: In 1788, Isaac Briggs and William Longstreet patented the steamboat. In 1861, Texas voted to secede from the Union. In 1884, the Oxford Dictionary, considered the most comprehensive and accurate dictionary of the English language, is first published. In 1893, Thomas A. Edison completed work on the world’s first motion picture studio in West Orange, NJ. And in 1930, the Times published its first crossword puzzle.
Your Brain On Coffee – Have you ever wondered just how coffee, and the caffeine in it, affect you and your brain? Here is a succinct look at the chemistry that happens when you drink a cup of coffee.
C. S. Lewis’ Greatest Fiction – The premise of this article is that the greatest fiction the Lewis ever concocted was to convince scores of American kids that they would like Turkish Delight. Based on what that stuff really is, I’m pretty sure I would not. But I always wanted to try it anyway…
Day To Night Photography – Stephen Wilkes is a very creative photographer who captures both day and night in a single photograph. His work is stunning in its beauty, and amazingly creative. It’s worth the time to scroll through his gallery and see his work.
If Moms Talked To Each Other The Way They Talk To Their Kids – This is parody. Supposedly. But around my home, where my wife deals with little kids all day, this borders on reality.
Today In Church History
February 1, 1516, marks the day that Erasmus “loaded the cannon that Luther fired.” On this day he dedicated a new Latin translation of the New Testament to Pope Leo X and began the efforts that led to the Reformation. Read more about the work of Erasmus here.
When God Was Silent – This was written back around Christmas, and I found it interesting then. I just stumbled across it again this week, and still find it to be an interesting look at the span of time between the Testaments.
Can Hobby Lobby Buy The Bible? – The founder of Hobby Lobby is opening a new museum in Washington D.C. that is entirely focused on the Bible. Slated to open in late 2017, this museum will be huge, but there are some ethical and legal questions surrounding the acquisition of so many antiquities. This article gives a good overview of the collection and the goals behind this museum.
6 Questions Preachers Should Ask Of Every Sermon – I have been preaching weekly, as a lead minister, for about three years now. Before that, I focused primarily on students and teens for most of my ministerial career. But as I prepare sermons weekly, these are some of the thoughts I have dealt with, as I strive to communicate the Word of God clearly and effectively.