Noah Webster (1758–1843)

The words Webster and dictionary will forever be connected. The Connecticut schoolteacher’s fame rests on his American Dictionary of the English Language, published in two volumes in 1828. Webster wanted to prove that America was its own country, not dependent on the traditions (or language) of England. So he published an American version of the King James Bible, calling it a “corrected” Bible, in 1833.

It altered some British spellings (“colour” became “color,” for example) and eliminated some of the old-fashioned wording of the King James Version. Webster realized that English had change dramatically since the King James Version was published in 1611.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Sanctifying Joy and Cleansing Grace

Charles Spurgeon

Amid the cheerfulness of household gatherings, it is easy to slide into sinful amusements and forget our declared character as Christians. It should not be so, but it is, that our days of feasting are very seldom days of sanctified enjoyment.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Transcendental Importance of Christmas

Philip Yancey

Unlike most people, I do not feel much Dickensian nostalgia at Christmastime. The holiday fell just a few days after my father died early in my childhood, and all my memories of the season are darkened by the shadow of that sadness.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Message of Christmas

Charles Stanley

One of the messages that we learn from the Christmas story is that of peace. While God might appear overwhelming at times, He always wants to give us the assurance that with Him, peace reigns, even in the announcement of His Son’s birth.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Voice of the Shepherd

Charles Stanley

Have you ever seen a child who cannot find his mother in a crowd? Although she may be out of sight, the little tyke may still hear her voice. It is almost as though his inner radar scans the sounds around him, looking for that one familiar tone.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Where the Real Power Resides

Charles R. Swindoll

The great apostle Paul was just like you and me. He had a love for God blended with feet of clay. Great passion . . . and great weakness. The longer I thought about this blend, the more evidence emerged from Scripture to support it.