On this day in 1981, Muhammad Ali fought his last fight.

In 1960, 18-year-old Cassius Clay won a boxing gold medal at the summer Olympics in Rome, pummeling a Polish opponent in the final. So proud of his medal, Cassius wore it continually for two days.

After the Olympics Cassius Clay turned pro and boasted, “I am the greatest.” Then he seemed to back up his claim by winning every fight. Before many fights he predicted the round in which he would win, and his predictions proved to be accurate. In 1962 he proclaimed, “I’m not the greatest; I’m the double greatest. Not only do I knock ‘em out, I pick the round” (New York Times). Later Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali.

Eventually Ali was the three-time world heavyweight champ, defeating Sonny Liston (1964), George Foreman (1974), and Leon Spinks (1978) for the title. He also fought Joe Frazier three times (1971–75), winning twice. Certainly Ali was a great boxer; perhaps even, as he claimed, “the greatest of all time.”

But only one person can truly claim the title of “the greatest.” That person is Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Not everyone recognizes that fact these days, but eventually everyone will, even Ali. As today’s passage states, “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Did you get that? Every knee will bow—on earth (all people), in heaven (including angels), and under the earth (including demons).

Knowing this can give us hope and courage. We are following the right leader, the only One who can give us eternal life. Other people may not understand that Jesus is God and the Messiah, but they will eventually. He truly is the greatest.

Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

To Do

Today, listen and watch carefully for the words great and greatest. Every time you hear or read one of those words, think of Jesus and thank God for giving us his Son, “the greatest of all time.”

Also on this day

This is National Noodle Ring Day.

1844—Dr. Horace Wells became the first person to have a tooth extracted after receiving an anesthetic (laughing gas) for the dental procedure.

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 1939, the National Football League’s attendance exceeded 1 million in a season for the first time.

That’s a lot of sports fans, especially in 1939. But these days, with 31 teams and huge stadiums, the NFL’s attendance totals about 16 million for a season or about 1 million each week. And just think how many people are watching on TV!

As impressive as those numbers are, however, consider this: on any given Sunday, there are more people at church than at NFL games. That’s right. According to studies, 44% of adult Americans attend church regularly, so that would make about 65 million every week. How about that, sports fans?

Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (see today’s verse). He was talking about people, not buildings. Christ’s church includes all people who trust in him as Savior, all over the world. So it’s HUGE.

Unlike pro football, you won’t find vendors, cheerleaders, scoreboards, or referees in a church service, and you won’t need a ticket. But you can find excitement. Nothing could be more thrilling, for example, than to hear God speak through his Word and watch the Holy Spirit transform lives. And best of all, everyone wins. The champions in football and other sports are soon forgotten as we look to find new winners and heroes, but what happens in church lasts forever.

Hebrews 10:25 says not to neglect meeting together, “but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of [Christ’s] coming back again is drawing near.” Makes sense.

See you in church!

Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it (Matthew 16:18).

To Do

This Sunday in church look at people, especially those you know well, in a different way. Think of how God has changed their lives. Thank God for his great work and for his church.

Also on this day

This is Human Rights Day.

1830—Poet Emily Dickinson 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 1793, the American Minerva was published for the first time.

The American Minerva was the first daily newspaper in New York City. From there, newspapers were started all across the country.

Newspapers have become a regular part of daily life in America. Today’s papers include not only news, but also opinion columns, features, comics, and advertisements.

These days, most people also get news from TV, radio, and the Internet, all much more immediate than the papers. But before those outlets, newspaper vendors would stand at street corners and yell, “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” to inform everyone that something important had happened.

When you have news, you want to get out the word. The Bible calls the message of Christ the good news. That’s because without Christ, just about everything else is bad news. The worst news of all is that all people are dead in their sins and have no hope for eternal life. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” And Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Did you get that? The first verse is the bad news, but the second gives hope.

No wonder the Bible calls it good news.

So here’s the question: What are we doing to get out the word? God doesn’t tell us to stand on a corner and shout, but we can use other ways to tell our friends and family about Christ. First, we should live out the good news. And then, when God gives us opportunities, we should tell people what Christ has done for us and what he can do for them.

And we can show them the Bible where they can “read all about it.”

Here begins the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God (Mark 1:1).

To Do

Take a few minutes and write a brief newspaper-style article on the good news of Jesus Christ. Make up a headline to go with your article.

Also on this day

This is Personal Passion Day.

1884—Levant M. Richardson received a patent for the ball-bearing roller skate. (Now we’re on a roll!)

1992—U.S. troops arrived in Somalia to oversee delivery of international food aid in Operation Restore Hope.

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 1909, the Birdbanding Society was founded.

Birdbanding is the placing of metal bracelets on the legs of wild birds. This helps scientists learn the migration patterns and life histories of different species of birds. Banding birds began centuries ago, but in 1899, Hans Mortensen, a Danish schoolteacher, developed the system still used today. He put aluminum rings on the legs of European birds. Each band had his name and address because he hoped the birds would be returned to him when they were found.

Bird migration is fascinating, and scientists still can’t figure out how it works. Think about it—birds aren’t very strong, yet some travel great distances, flying days without stopping. The blackpoll warbler, a North American bird about the size of a sparrow, for example, flies nonstop almost 2,500 miles to South America where it lives for the winter. God created these birds with the desire, stamina, and navigation system to make that trip.

The Bible mentions at least 24 kinds of birds, beginning with creation (Genesis 1:20-23). You probably remember reading about doves, roosters, and eagles. Often the eagle is used as an example of God’s care (see Exodus 19:3, 4). God also says that we can become “like eagles.” These magnificent birds soar above the earth riding the wind currents. Vultures (Matthew 24:28) are ugly and feed on dead and decaying animals—yuck!

So which bird would you rather be like? Our verse for today tells how to be an eagle. The secret? “Wait on the Lord.” That means trusting in God and relying on him instead of friends, family, money, or government for salvation and security.

You can fly like an eagle. Soar in faith!

But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

To Do

Memorize today’s verse, Isaiah 40:31. It’s a great one to remember, especially when you’re having a tough day.

Also on this day

This is National Brownie Day.

1941—The United States entered World War II when it declared war against Japan.

1998—The first female ice hockey game in Olympic history was played. Finland beat Sweden 6-0.

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 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese, bringing the U.S. into World War II.

We weren’t prepared. It was a sneak attack.

At about eight o’clock in the morning on Sunday, December 7, 1941, approximately 100 ships of the U.S. Navy lay in the harbor at Oahu, Hawaii. Suddenly Japanese planes burst through the clouds and began raining bombs, eventually destroying 188 planes, damaging or destroying 8 battleships, and leaving 2,403 people dead. The United States was thrust into the Second World War.

This terrible attack was a surprise because the United States was not at war with Japan. In fact, just before the attack Japanese officials had been in Washington discussing peace.

Sneak attacks are effective because the opposition isn’t prepared to defend and to fight back. Think of the difference if America had known the Japanese were coming!

Christians are like soldiers, pilots, and sailors. We’re in a war. Satan and his forces want to hurt and defeat us. And Satan specializes in sneak attacks. Today’s verse describes him as a “roaring lion” prowling for victims.

As you know, lions sneak up on their prey and then pounce. Quickly the unsuspecting victim is toast. It’s an accurate picture of how the devil works.

That’s why we need to be ready, to be on our guard. Satan doesn’t announce, “Hey, here I am, coming to get you!” Instead, he quietly tempts us to do wrong. Often he twists God’s words (like he did with Adam and Eve) to get us confused. Sometimes the temptations are big, but often he is content to have us just become bored with our faith.

To be ready, on guard, we need to stay close to God and his Word. And in every temptation we need to rely on God to give us the strength to resist.

Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

To Do

Go online or check an encyclopedia and read more about Pearl Harbor and the monument to the men and women who died there.

Also on this day

This is National Cotton Candy Day.

1787—Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

1972—Apollo 17 was launched at Cape Canaveral. It was the last U.S. moon mission.

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 1865, the 13^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified.

The 13^th Amendment abolished slavery. This didn’t end racism and discrimination in the United States, but at least the terrible act of one human being enslaving another was illegal.

In America we understand and value freedom. Not only do we stand against slavery, but we also guard carefully the other freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution. But here’s a startling truth—people, even Americans, are slaves and not truly free at all.

The Bible tells us that every person is born a sinner and is a slave to sin. No matter how nice we are and how hard we try, we cannot go a day without sinning. Those sins separate us from God. He’s holy and perfect, and we are very unholy and imperfect. So we have no freedom to come to him and even to do what is right.

That’s where Christ comes in. When we trust in him, he frees us from our bondage to sin and from our slave-master, Satan. And he frees us to make the right choices and to follow him. Instead of slaves, we become God’s very own children.

We don’t need an amendment to the Constitution to make this true. God’s Word—his “constitution”—guarantees it. You are free indeed!

So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father” (Romans 8:15).

To Do

Read the book of Philemon. It’s the story of a man who was a slave who became twice free.

Also on this day

This is St. Nicholas Day.

1877—Thomas Edison demonstrated the first gramophone, with a recording of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

1926—In Italy, Benito Mussolini introduced a tax on bachelors.

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 Bathtub Day.

Yucky. Filthy. Dirty. Smelly. Nothing feels worse than being gross all over. Sometimes it’s so bad that you don’t want to be around yourself.

Then you jump in the shower or tub and scrub all the crud away with hot water, soap, and shampoo. Nothing feels better than being totally clean.

We can be dirty inside, too. Even when we’ve scrubbed off all the smelly mess on our skin, in our hair, and under our nails, we can feel as though we need to wash our minds and hearts. Dirty thoughts and hateful feelings can mess up our tidy lives. And then there’s envy, pride, greed, deceit, anger, and other evil plots and plans. Sin has a way of soaking us through and through.

That’s when we need a real bath—a cleansing of the soul and spirit.

We don’t need a bathtub for this procedure. We just need to place ourselves in the shower of God’s grace. He promises that when we confess our sins, he will cleanse us, forgiving us completely. Then, not only will we feel clean, we will actually be clean inside—where it really counts. And once we’re clean inside, God can use us to do his work. That’s what today’s verse is talking about.

Consider a drinking glass. Before drinking out of it you want the glass to be clean. And it’s not enough to wipe off the outside—you’ll make sure the inside has been thoroughly washed, too.

Your life is like that glass. When God cleans you on the inside he can use you to take his life-giving message to others.

Do you need a “bath,” a spiritual cleansing? Let God make you totally clean!

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21).

To Do

Every time you use soap today, remember that you are clean in Christ. Ask him to keep you pure for his use.

Also on this day

This is International Day of Disabled Persons.

1492—Christopher Columbus discovered Hispaniola.

1782—Martin Van Buren, the 8^th president of the United States, 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 1812, Peter Gaillard patented the power mower.

Mr. Gaillard must have lived in a warm climate; otherwise, how could he test his mower?

Ah, grass—the green stuff that comes after the snow leaves and the ground thaws. You may have had to mow the lawn as one of your chores. If you use a power mower, aren’t you glad for Mr. Gaillard’s fine invention? But 1812—why did it take so long for power mowers to get to the public? They didn’t become popular till the 1960s. Don’t ask; just start and push.

You probably have mixed feelings about chores. You know jobs have to be done, but you really don’t like doing them. What if no one washed the dishes? Soon the kitchen would be overflowing with plates, silverware, and glasses. And if no one took out the garbage, what a smelly mess you’d have! Your parents could pay an outsider to do those jobs, but that would waste a lot of money. Besides, chores help the family work together, with every person playing an important role—like a team.

The Bible talks about teamwork, especially in the church. Today’s verse, for example, says each person should do his or her “own special work.” Paul also wrote, “We work together as partners who belong to God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Certainly some jobs are more unpleasant or more difficult than others, but someone has to do them. And sometimes we compare our chores to others’ and don’t think we got a fair deal. Instead, we should do these family jobs with a good attitude. Paul even told slaves, “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23).

So grab that shovel (or mower) and smile!

Under [Christ’s] direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love (Ephesians 4:16).

To Do

Today, do your chores before being reminded by your mother or father. Watch how they react. Caution: they may be shocked at your actions and positive attitude.

Also on this day

This is National Wear Brown Shoes day.

1619—America celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in Virginia.

1680—A hen in Rome, Italy, reportedly laid an egg imprinted with the image of a comet.

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 1931, Alka-Seltzer® was sold for the first time.

You know how Alka-Seltzer® works, right? Take a couple of the tablets, drop them in water, and watch them fizz and disintegrate. Then drink it up. It’s supposed to bring relief to aching stomachs and heads and stuffy noses.

Relief means change, a break in the action, a new approach, and a turn for the better. We have relief pitchers in baseball and relief workers in areas hit by natural disasters. We talk about getting relief from a cold snap in winter, and when we hear good news (like, “No homework today”), we say, “That’s a relief!” We usually associate relief with stopping pain and feeling better.

That’s the good news. But here’s the bad. The Bible says that hell is a place of “no relief.” Check out today’s Bible verse. There, medicine won’t help. A new weather front won’t change conditions. No one and nothing will be able to relieve the suffering in that terrible place. What an awful prospect!

Heaven, on the other hand, is all about relief from the sin and suffering in life. Instead of pain, we’ll have pleasure. Instead of darkness, light. And we’ll be reunited with loved ones. Now that’s the place to be!

So what makes the difference? How does a person avoid hell and make it to Heaven? Only by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8, 9).

When we trust in Christ as Savior, turning over control of our lives to him, we are saved from eternal death. We receive eternal life and become members of God’s eternal family.

What a relief!

The smoke of their torment rises forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshipped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name (Revelation 14:11).

To Do

Get a concordance. Look up Heaven and read all the related verses. Do the same for hell.

Also on this day

This is National Ice Cream Box Day (Cool!).

1833—Oberlin College in Ohio opened as the first truly coeducational (admitting both men and women) school of higher education in the United States.

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 1804, Napoleon was crowned Emperor of France.

A masterful general, an amazing military tactician, and a superb administrator, Napoleon Bonaparte was also an utterly ruthless dictator. Later in his career he thought he could do no wrong. So his name is often connected with overreaching military ambition and great pride. Although Napoleon conquered much of Europe, he lost two-thirds of his army in a disastrous invasion of Russia.

Because Napoleon was short (nicknamed “the Little Corporal”), short men who are overly aggressive are said to have a Napoleon complex. They seem to try to act taller and bigger by coming on strong in relationships and business.

The Bible tells about a man who probably had that kind of complex. Zacchaeus was a little guy, and in his job as tax collector he was mean and dishonest. Remember the story? Read it in Luke 19.

One day, as Jesus was making his way through town, Zacchaeus had to climb a tree to see him. Jesus saw him, called him by name, and asked to go to his house. And that’s when Zacchaeus’s life turned around. Instead of the taxman who got rich by cheating his neighbors and lording it over them, he became an honest man, humbly submitting to the Lord.

What made the difference? He experienced Jesus’ love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Here’s the deal. Whether you’re short or tall, coordinated or uncoordinated, exceptional or average, Jesus loves you and accepts you as you are. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not or try to be different to be accepted by God.

So change your Napoleon complex to a Zacchaeus complex. Come down from that tree and meet the Savior.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today” (Luke 19:5).

To Do

Take out a sheet of paper and write down all the ways that you feel inadequate or wish you were different. Include physical and personality characteristics, natural abilities, and past experiences. Then thank God for each one and ask him to show you how you can serve him as yourself, the way he made you.

Also on this day

This is National Fritters Day.

1862—Circus entrepreneur Charles Ringling was born.

1990—The midwest section of the United States prepared for a massive earthquake predicted by Iben Browning. Nothing happened, by the way.

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.