On this day in history: In 1513, Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for Spain. But did he ever find the Fountain of Youth? In 1873, Alfred Paraf patented the first successful oleomargarine (I’m certain that’s important to someone). And in 1974, Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record.

Today Is National Empanada Day!
Don’t know what an empanada is? Today is your day to find out!

Cowboy Coffee Recipe – Campfire coffee is a nice change every now and then, especially when I’m out on the trail hiking or camping. Here’s a great recipe for making some of your own. Why not over a campfire pit in your own backyard?

10 Simple Life Hacks For The Sharp Dressed Man – Need a few tips to stay looking sharp? Here are ten simple things you can do to look the best you can, without a ton of money or effort.

A Generation In Japan Faces A Lonely Death – This is a sobering article that should cause you to stop and think. There may not be a whole lot you or I can do for these lonely people in Japan, but maybe we can see if there is a lonely neighbor on our own street, or in our own community that we can help.

Russia’s Geography Problem – After watching a few other videos in this series, I have one more to share. This one is about Russia.

Yesterday In Church History
The exact years of Christ’s life and death aren’t known, but we can draw some solid conclusions from history. Yesterday, April 7, marks one of the possible dates for the death of Christ, in AD 30. Read more about it here.

10 Tips To Make Your Phone More Productive – This is actually just the notes for the Time Management Ninja podcast, but there are some great tips here. If you want to dig deeper into any of them, I suggest you listen to the podcast itself. And check out more of the TMJ blog. There is a lot of good stuff there!

Do We Have To Forgive Someone If They Don’t Repent? – Forgiveness is a key aspect that I think we need to spend more time on in our spiritual lives. Here are a few good thoughts about it.

5 Tips For Engaging With Scripture – Some of these disciplines resonate with me deeply. As a result, I have sought out a tool to help me connect more deeply with Scripture. I use Journibles. These are amazing resources. Although I would guess the ESV Scripture Journal that Tim recommends is good as well.

The Most Important Part Of Your Sermon – Each and every sermon I preach, I strive to lead people to the cross, to see their need for Jesus. It doesn’t matter if they have never heard the Gospel or have been believers for decades. Every sermon must lead to the cross. But in this article, the most important part of the sermon is the introduction, and he makes a compelling argument for why it is necessary to spend time crafting this well.

What Makes A Good Sermon? Five Questions To Ask – In light of the previous link, here is another good article to read on crafting good sermons. This series of questions is essential to making sure the sermon hits home with your listeners, at least on the human side of the equation. The Holy Spirit’s role will take God’s Word further than we can ever take it on our own.