On this day in 1879, Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.

You may remember back in January we highlighted the patenting of the lightbulb. So why talk about this again? Let’s shed a little light on the topic.

Imagine life without lightbulbs. Consider how many you use every day. Start in your room and think about all the lights in your house. At school, you’ll find lots—in hallways, classrooms, locker room, gymnasium, cafeteria. Don’t forget those in your school bus and cars. And what about streetlights, traffic lights, and warning lights? Oh yeah, you also have flashlights, reading lights, spotlights, strobe lights, lasers, neons, blacklights, LCDs, refrigerator lights, clock lights . . . you probably can think of even more.

Without lights your world would be dark, especially at night. You could use candles, kerosene, or torches, of course, but that would be very inconvenient. So, thanks again, Thomas Edison.

But also remember: having lights is not enough; you need to use them.

Makes sense, right? Otherwise, you’d spend a lot of time in the dark—getting lost, bumping into things, and losing stuff.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5). He said his followers should be light to a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). Today’s verse tells us to “walk in the light.” This means following close to Christ and obeying him.

Look closely at the world and you’ll find darkness—millions of lost people searching for the way. Their light has come, but they keep struggling in the dark. Would you rather stumble in darkness? Hit the switch and then walk in the light.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7, New International Version).

To Do

For the next hour or two, say a short prayer every time you see a lightbulb. If the light is turned on, thank God for his light and ask for his guidance. If the light is off, thank God for his light and confess those times when you’ve “walked in darkness.”

Also on this day

This is National Reptile Day.

1956—Actress Carrie Fisher was born. She played the part of Princess Leia in the Star Wars films.

1858—The Cancan dance was performed for the first time in Paris, France.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day.

When you hear the word school, what comes to your mind? “Yuck!”? A building? A difficult teacher? You and a bunch of friends on the playground?

School can bring many mental pictures, not all of them positive. Maybe that’s why some kids find it hard to like the idea of “Sunday school.” They’ve already had five days of lessons and lectures, teachers and tests, and desks and detentions, and now another one!

Actually Sunday school was begun in England many years ago to be a place where poor children could learn. Instruction in the Christian faith was just one part of what they were taught. These days the teaching in Sunday School classes almost totally focuses on Bible lessons and faith.

To appreciate your teachers, first you have to appreciate Sunday school. That can happen if you stop thinking of it as the same as other schools. You could, for example, call it “Sunday Surprise,” “Bible Adventure,” “Church Challenge,” or something similar. This might help you look forward to the time more.

Next, consider the leader—your teacher. This person has worked hard preparing for his or her time with you, going over lesson plans, looking up Bible verses, gathering props, materials, and refreshments. He or she has been praying—for you and the others in your group. This person is a volunteer—he or she doesn’t get paid for spending time with you every week.

Finally, remember the reason for having Sunday school—to teach kids about God. You’re not against that, are you? Approaching each class with a positive attitude probably will help you get closer to your teacher and closer to God.

OK, so are you ready to “appreciate” now? Get to it!

Those who are taught the word of God should help their teachers by paying them (Galatians 6:6).

To Do

Think of a way to “pay” your Sunday School teacher. Pray for him or her, write a thank you note, or bring a gift this week.

Also on this day

1803—The U.S. Senate approved the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States.

1931—Baseball legend Mickey Mantle was born.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

On this day in 1781, the American Revolutionary War ended.

A war ending is a big deal. One side has to admit defeat and then surrender. Imagine how humbling that must be for the king, generals, or other losing leaders! Then the defeated armies and people must submit to the power and authority of the conquerors.

Wars are ugly. Combatants and innocent civilians get hurt and killed, and cities and villages get destroyed. Even the victorious army suffers great losses. No wonder we want to avoid war if at all possible.

Regardless of how you feel about fighting and war, you’re in one. The Bible explains that spiritual warfare is going on all around us. It’s a war between God and Satan for control of the universe and for people’s hearts.

The Bible also says God will win. Check out the book of Revelation for all the details. But every day brings battles. Satan works hard at trying to prevent people from hearing God’s truth and joining him. He also tries to keep Christ’s followers from living right and joining the battle. So God tells us about armor to wear and weapons to use (see Ephesians 6:10-18).

What God wants is total surrender. That’s right. The first step to winning in life is to give up, stop resisting God, and give ourselves totally to him—no strings attached.

This is tough because we don’t like the idea of giving up control of our lives. We think we know best and that we need to be strong and do things ourselves. Wrong. Remember, Jesus said that the person who seeks to save his life will lose it (Matthew 16:25).

So if you want to win the battle and the war, give up and surrender totally to God.

Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,
and you will be destroyed in the midst of your pursuits—
for his anger can flare up in an instant.
But what joy for all who find protection in him! (Psalm 2:12).

To Do

In what areas of life have you been resisting God? Take time, right now, to talk with him about those things. Surrender fully to your king.

Also on this day

1849—Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in the United States to receive a medical degree.

1914—The U.S. Post Office first used an automobile to collect and deliver mail.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

On this day in 1961 Henri Matisse’s painting, Le Bateau, went on display at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

When you read the fact for today, you probably thought, “What’s the big deal about that?” Good question. But get this: It was discovered 46 days later that the painting had been hanging upside down! That means hundreds, maybe thousands, of people had passed by, viewing the painting and making comments such as, “Beautiful,” “Interesting,” “I see what Matisse was doing . . . “ when they didn’t have a clue. They weren’t looking from the artist’s point of view, so they didn’t really know how to view it.

How would you like to be an artist and have your paintings hung upside down and interpreted that way?

This may sound strange, but listen carefully: Followers of Jesus can be easily misunderstood. People look at their lives and think they have Christians figured out, but they’re looking “upside down.” They just don’t get it.

This has been going on for 2,000 years. Today’s passage explains that, according to the people of Thessalonica, Paul and Silas had turned the world “upside down.” The people were afraid of the two because their message was so different and hard to understand. You see, Jesus’ values are the opposite of the world’s. His followers live differently. The lives of those who follow Jesus are changed dramatically.

If the Thessalonians had looked at Paul and Silas from the artist’s (God’s) point of view, they would have seen the truth—the gospel message was actually turning the world right side up.

So don’t be surprised if people misunderstand you, your lifestyle, and your message. They don’t know the artist. Ask God for ways to introduce them, to open their eyes to the truth.

Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have turned the rest of the world upside down, and now they are here disturbing our city,” they shouted (Acts 17:6).

To Do

Go on-line and try to find Le Bateau. Look at it upside down and, then, right side up. See if you can figure out what it is supposed to mean.

Also on this day

This is National Chocolate Cupcake Day.

1931—Inventor Thomas Edison died.

1958—The first computer-arranged marriage took place on Art Linkletter’s television

show.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

On this day in 1888, the first issue of National Geographic Magazine was released at newsstands.

Flip through the pages of a National Geographic Magazine, and you’ll quickly be amazed at the great photography. Their writers and photographers literally travel to the ends of the earth, from Alaska to Afghanistan and from mountaintops to ocean depths, to get interesting stories. And they always capture human emotions, fascinating culture, and natural beauty in their pictures.

If you read more than one issue, you’ll be struck with the differences in cultures, yet the similarities among people. All people have the same basic needs—food, water, shelter—and they experience the same emotions, including love, hate, fear, longing, grief, and joy. Every people group has mothers and fathers struggling to raise their families, workers trying to make a living, and children looking for fun. Everyone also has a spiritual side, expressed in a wide variety of ways.

When Jesus told his disciples to take the gospel message “to the ends of the earth,” they didn’t know about people living on the other side of the world. Unlike you, they didn’t have TV, the Internet, and National Geographic. And those disciples certainly had no idea of modern America with almost 300 million people. But Jesus knew. And he was serious about his command to make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:19). That’s because all people have something else in common—they all need Christ. And ever since then, groups of believers have spread the Word through conversations, meetings, events, missionaries, and media.

You can be part of this process. You can pray; you can give money to help support ministries and missionaries; you can share the good news with a friend. In so doing, you will be part of the team to take Christ to the ends of the earth.

“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

To Do

The next time you see a picture of someone living at “the ends of the earth,” pray that he or she will hear the gospel, respond in faith, and find new life in Christ.

Also on this day

This is National Pasta Day.

1938—Motorcycle daredevil Robert “Evel” Knievel was born.

1979—Mother Teresa of India was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is National Dictionary Day.

You probably think this special day was begun by publishers to sell more dictionaries. Perhaps, but it also honors Noah Webster. He was born on this day in 1758 and is famous for writing Webster’s Dictionary.

After graduating from college, Noah Webster taught school but became very dissatisfied with the American school system. Often as many as 70 children of all ages would be jammed into one room, with poorly-written books, no desks, and untrained teachers. How’d you like to try learning there? In 1783, he wrote his own textbook: A Grammatical Institute of the English Language. A few years later, at age 43, Noah started writing the first American dictionary. He thought Americans should spell, pronounce, and use words the same way. A dictionary helps do just that because it explains the correct meaning, spelling, and pronunciation of each word.

It’s important for words to have exact meanings; otherwise everyone would get confused. We know that the word groceries, for example, refers to food and related items, not plumbing supplies. And when we order a glass of milk at a restaurant, we would be shocked if the server were to bring a hammer. Saying what we mean and meaning what we say is important for good communication.

In our verse for today James points out the importance of being known as people who clearly state what they mean. You don’t have to be a walking dictionary, but you should mean what you say.

Don’t you just hate it when someone told you yes and then later said, “I really didn’t mean that—I meant ‘maybe’”? Yes should mean “positively, for sure, certainly.”

Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned (James 5:12, New International Version).

To Do

For the next week or so, choose a word each day from the dictionary (such as transient, ubiquitous, evocative, or profound). Learn its meaning and spelling, and then use it in a sentence when talking with your parents or another adult. They’ll be amazed!

Also on this day

This is National Boss Day.

1829—The first modern hotel in America opened. The Tremont Hotel had 170 rooms that rented for $2 a day and came with four meals.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is National Poetry Day.

“Roses are red, violets are blue; some poems rhyme, but this one doesn’t.”

Since it’s National Poetry Day, it was only right to begin with a poem—well, sort of a poem. Speaking of that, how do you feel about poetry and poems? It’s a style of writing that has been around for many years. And, like it or not, when you get to high school, you’ll read a ton of poems in literature classes.

In giving us his Word, God used a variety of authors and writing styles and types. The Bible has historical books (such as Genesis and Acts), prophetic books (such as Isaiah and Amos), letters (such as Galatians and 1 John), gospels (such as Matthew and Luke), and apocalyptic books (such as Revelation). In fact, one whole section in the Old Testament is labeled as poetry. This section has Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.

You can find poems in other parts of the Bible, but Psalms has some amazing ones. Check out Psalm 127, for example. It begins, “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good” (v. 1). And a little later, you’ll find: “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (v. 3). That’s talking about you, so now you like poetry, right?

Restore our fortunes, Lord,

as streams renew the desert.

Those who plant in tears

will harvest with shouts of joy.

They weep as they go to plant their seed,

but they sing as they return with the harvest.

—Psalm 126:4-6

To Do

Try reading a Psalm a day for the next week or so. Let God’s Word presented through poetry sink in. And try your hand at expressing yourself through a poem.

Also on this day

This is National Grouch Day.

1860—In her letter to presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln, Grace Bedell, age 11, said he would look better if he grew a beard.

1951—I Love Lucy premiered on television.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is National Be Bald and Be Free Day.

What the big deal about hair, anyway? We cut it, comb and brush it, color it, wash it, spray it, and style it—no wonder people worry about losing their hair! It’s a big part of life.

Most bald people (usually men) got that way because of heredity. Scientists say that the mother’s side of the family is the source of genetic baldness. If a man’s mother’s father was bald, the man has a higher chance of going bald himself.

Some people have lost their hair through illness or medical treatments. Others shave their heads to make a statement or to be free of all the mess and work of hair care.

Be Bald and Be Free Day was probably started by men who had lost their hair and had dealt with it. It’s as if they wanted to shout, “Hey, I’m hairless—bald—and it’s OK! In fact, I like it.”

In the Bible, you’ll find people with a wide variety of hair lengths. Samson, for example, had extra long hair—the secret to his strength (Judges 16:17-19). Elisha became angry when a crowd of youths mocked him by calling him “Baldhead” (2 Kings 2:23-25). Absolom had long luxurious hair that weighed five pounds when he cut it (2 Samuel 14:26).

Undoubtedly the most startling statement in the Bible about hair is in today’s passage. Jesus was speaking to the crowd and his closest followers telling them that they shouldn’t worry because they were valuable to God. So valuable in fact, that God even knew all the details of their lives—even the number of hairs on their heads.

Some bald people joke that God doesn’t have to work very hard counting their strands of hair. But Jesus’ wasn’t really talking about our scalps and follicles. He was making the point that each person is valuable to God, including you. How great is that?

So every time you comb or brush your hair, say thanks to God for his love and care. Hey! That rhymes!

“And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to [God] than a whole flock of sparrows” (Luke 12:7).

To Do

Type out the phrase “I’m a big, hairy deal to God.” Cut it out, and tape it to your comb or brush. It will remind you of your value to God.

Also on this day

1926—The book Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne was published.

1964—Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

On this day in 1792, the cornerstone of the Executive Mansion was laid in Washington, D.C. The building became known as the White House in 1818.

In ancient times, a cornerstone was the most important building block for any structure. It’s placement and shape determined the form of the whole building. It still usually refers to the first stone of a new building, laid at a corner where two walls begin. Because of this role, the word became associated with something or someone very important. So you might hear that an athlete is the cornerstone of the team.

These days, as in 1792, the cornerstone will often be laid with great fanfare and ceremony for a noteworthy construction project.

In today’s Bible passage, cornerstone is used as a symbol, and Jesus quoted this verse to refer to himself. When questioned by the religious leaders, he replied, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous to see’” (Matthew 21:42).

Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20, and 1 Peter 2:4-7 also refer to Jesus as the cornerstone, emphasizing that our salvation—in fact, our very lives—must be built on Christ. Otherwise, like a poorly constructed building, everything will crumble.

Peter wrote: “As the Scriptures express it, ‘I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a chosen cornerstone, and anyone who believes in him will never be disappointed’” (1 Peter 2:6). That’s great news!

You will hear about many options for building your life. You might be tempted, for example, to build on money and possessions and worldly success. Or you might find that special person and try building life on him or her—on love. Education, talent, and power are other popular options. But none of those will work as a sufficient cornerstone. Only Christ will do. And those who believe in him will never be disappointed.

The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22).

To Do

Go to a large, old church, the library, City Hall, or another important building in town. Find the cornerstone and note what it says. Then, right there, thank Jesus for being your cornerstone.

Also on this day

This is U.S. Navy Day.

1775—The U.S. Continental Congress ordered the construction of a naval fleet.

1995—Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida admitted its 500-millionth guest.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

On this day in 1823, Charles Macintosh of Scotland began selling raincoats.

Rain can be a pain, especially on the plain, especially when you have to work or play in it. And rain in October can really make life miserable in the colder parts of the country. Of course, marvelous inventions such as the umbrella and raincoat make it easier to venture out into the storm.

Weather is interesting. We’re all affected by it but can do very little about it, except, of course, prepare, choose a good attitude, and respond. For example, you’ve made plans, but now it’s pouring—your plans and hopes are dashed. How will you react? Many mope and complain and whine. That self-centered approach helps no one and just gets on everyone’s nerves. A better response is to thank God for the rain, smile, and adjust the schedule.

Some people pray for good weather when they’re worried about an important outside event. They don’t want it to rain on their parade, picnic, or ball game.

Others, especially farmers, pray for rain—at the right time and in the right amount—because their lives depend on having crops to harvest and sell.

So would it be fair to the farmer who desperately needs rain for us to ask God to withhold it so we can get in nine innings or have a day at the beach?

It’s a balance. We want rain because we want green lawns, healthy trees, beautiful flowers, and delicious veggies and bread and corn-fed cattle and chickens. But at times we don’t want rain because we don’t want activities rained out and because we’re already soaked.

So what are we to do? Well, we can pray—talking to God about how we feel. We can remember the farmers and thank God for his provision. We can plan—adjusting our attitude and schedule. And we can prepare—keeping the umbrella and raincoat handy, just in case.

I will send the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees will produce their fruit (Leviticus 26:4).

To Do

When it rains, remember to choose a good attitude and to pray, plan, and prepare.

Also on this day

This is National World Egg Day (eggs-actly right!).

1492—Christopher Columbus touched land in the Bahamas.

1938—Filming began on The Wizard of Oz.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.