A diamond weighing 114 pounds was discovered near Pretoria, South Africa in 1905.

During a routine inspection at the Premier Diamond Mine in South Africa, a 3,106-carat diamond was discovered. Named the Cullinan Diamond, it weighed 114 pounds and was the largest diamond crystal ever found.

After examining the diamond for six months, Joseph Asscher prepared to cut the enormous stones into smaller pieces. Fearful of how his heart might react to a blunder, Asscher had a doctor stand by as he hit the first critical blow. After nearly shattering the diamond on his initial attempt, Asscher managed to divide the diamond with his second blow—and then promptly fainted. The crystal was cut into 106 polished diamonds, valued at tens of millions of dollars.

The largest of the stones is the “Star of Africa,” which at 530.2 carats is the largest cut diamond in the world. The gem was presented to Britain’s King Edward VII, and can be seen today in the Tower of London with the other Crown Jewels.

Imagine the excitement of discovering such a huge diamond! But do you know that the Bible tells us about something that is even more valuable than the most precious of gems? It’s wise speech!

Speech that is wise reflects God’s love and concern for others. It is sincere and honest. It contains words that are meant to encourage and comfort. A person who uses wise speech thinks about what he is going to say before speaking.

If you have ever been the recipient of cruel and thoughtless speech, you know how harmful unwise words can be. But if the people in your life speak to you with words that are caring and encouraging, you know the real value of wise speech!

Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies (Proverbs 20:15).

To Do

When was the last time you used unwise words? Consider what you can say now to that person to correct the situation.

Also on this day . . .

1788—The first European settlers landed in Australia. This day is celebrated as Australia Day.

1837—Michigan became America’s 26^th state.

1875—George F. Green patented the electric dental drill for sawing, filing, and polishing teeth.

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.

Today is Opposite Day.

Think of the possibilities! You run downstairs in the morning and greet your family, “Good night! I can’t wait to go to school. Can we have some yummy Brussels sprouts for dinner? I’m going to do all my homework as soon as I get home. No TV for me tonight!” Then as soon as you pick up your mom and dad off the floor, you can gleefully announce, “Happy Opposite Day!”

The idea behind Opposite Day—where everything you say is the reverse of what you mean—is meant to be fun. But Jesus was totally serious about his followers being the exact opposite of what the world expects. For example, in his teaching that we often call the Beatitudes, Jesus said that God blesses the needy, those who mourn, who are persecuted, and who are gentle and lowly (Matthew 5:3-12). That’s not what the world thinks. Our world says that people who are happy, who have a lot of stuff, who are powerful, and who are protected are the ones who are blessed.

Jesus wanted his followers to know that living for God means being different from everyone else. If we follow Jesus, then what we say and how we act will be different from the world. We will give to others instead of taking from them, help those who don’t deserve our help, and love those who hate us. That’s not easy to do. But in giving up our rights in order to serve others, we will receive everything that God has in store for us.

Compared to the world, every day is Opposite Day when you live for Jesus.

“And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then” (Matthew 20:16).

To Do

Instead of being the first in line or the first to grab dessert, do the opposite today and be last!

Also on this day . . .

1858—Mendelssohn’s Wedding March was publicly played for the first time at the wedding of Britain’s Princess Victoria.

1924—The first Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix, France.

1961—President John F. Kennedy presented the first live presidential news conference from Washington, D.C.

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.

In 1848, gold was discovered in California.

John Sutter was a Swiss immigrant who had come to California in 1839 with dreams, not of finding gold, but of building his own private empire. By the mid-1840s, Sutter had built a fort, had 12,000 head of cattle, and employed hundreds of workers. But it was an accidental discovery while building a sawmill that completely changed Sutter’s life—and the nation’s history.

While constructing the sawmill, which Sutter intended to provide lumber for his growing ranch, a glint of something caught a worker’s eye. Gold! At first, Sutter and his men tried to keep the discovery a secret. But by the winter of 1848, whispers of a gold strike had drifted eastward across the country. At first, few people believed the rumors. But when President James Polk told the nation that the reports were true, the gold rush was on!

Thousands of men and women headed to California to make their fortune. Few, however, realized their dream of striking it rich.

The lure of treasure and quick wealth has always been a temptation. In fact, Jesus warned his followers about spending all their time and effort going after earthly treasure. That type of treasure, Jesus said, would eventually be destroyed or stolen. It wasn’t the type of treasure that would last.

Instead, Jesus tells his followers (like us!) to store our treasure in heaven, where it will be protected forever. So how do you store treasure in heaven? By using all your resources—money, time, and abilities—for God’s work. In fact, any time we obey God and do what he wants, we are storing up treasure in heaven!

How much heavenly treasure do you have saved?

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves” (Matthew 6:19, 20).

To Do

Make a list of your resources. Think of one way that you can use each of those resources to store up treasure in heaven.

Also on this day . . .

1908—The first Boy Scout troop was started in England.

1922—Christian K. Nelson patented the ice cream treat known as the Eskimo Pie.

1985—Penny Harrington became the first woman police chief of a major U.S. city (Portland, OR).

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.

John Hancock, U.S. statesman, patriot, and President of the Continental Congress, was born on this day.

You could never accuse John Hancock of playing it safe. This popular and well-known patriot not only was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, but he did it with a flourish that none could miss. When it came time to sign the Declaration of Independence, which was an act of treason against England, Hancock remarked, “I’ll sign it in letters bold enough so the King of England can see it without his spectacles on!”

John Hancock was definitely the right man at the right time. At a time when bold leaders were needed, Hancock willingly stepped forward and risked his life for the cause of independence.

Thousands of years earlier, a young Jewish girl had been given a similar opportunity to risk her life for a greater cause. Esther had been chosen as the new queen of Persia. But even in that role, she did not have free access to the king. No one in all of Persia could approach the king without an invitation—or it meant certain death. So when Esther’s cousin informed her of a plot to kill all the Jews in Persia and begged her to ask the king for mercy, Esther’s first response was “I can’t.” But when her cousin pointed out that she was the right person at the right time and place to do so, Esther agreed. Because of her willingness to take a risk, the Jewish people were saved. She, like John Hancock and others, made a difference.

It may not be evident to you, but perhaps God has put you in a special place—at school, in your neighborhood, maybe even at home—where you can make a difference if are willing to take the risk.

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What’s more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

To Do

Think about this: what is the greatest risk you have taken? Ask a parent or an adult friend about the greatest risk he or she has taken.

Also on this day . . .

It is National School Nurse Day.

1849—English-born Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in American to receive a medical degree.

1971—The lowest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. was reported on this day in Prospect Creek Camp, Alaska—minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit!

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.

Queen Victoria of England died on this day in 1901 after reigning for nearly 64 years. Edward VII, her son, succeeded her.

Imagine living in a country in which only one ruler had ever been in power. When Queen Victoria died at age 82, it marked the end of an era in which most of her British subjects had known no other king or queen. Her reign, which spanned more than half a century, was the longest in British history.

Having one ruler who governs you for the majority of your life is a strange concept for most of us. We are used to changes in those who govern us and make the laws. We are familiar with presidents and governors and mayors, not kings or queens or princes.

Yet, do you realize you are part of a kingdom that will never end, and you are under the power of a king who will always rule? As a Christian, you are part of God’s kingdom, and Jesus is your king who will reign forever and forever.

What exactly is God’s kingdom? The Bible tells us. First, the kingdom of God is not a place. Jesus told his followers, “The Kingdom of God isn’t ushered in with visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is among you” (Luke 17:20,21). The kingdom of God was not the powerful government that the people of Israel were looking for. No, the kingdom of God is the rule of God in his people’s hearts. Wherever God’s people are living and obeying his Word, then that’s where the kingdom of God exists. Wherever you go and whenever you share the Good News of Jesus, you are spreading God’s kingdom.

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

To Do

Be a kingdom builder today. Tell one person who lives in your house or goes to you school about your King.

Also on this day . . .

1879—James Shields began a term as a U.S. Senator from Missouri. He had previously served in Illinois and Minnesota—making him the first Senator to serve in three different states.

1984—Apple introduced the Macintosh computer. It was the first computer to use point-and-click technology.

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.

Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born on this day in 1824.

Next to Robert E. Lee, Thomas J. Jackson was probably one of the most respected generals in the Confederate Army. A graduate of West Point, Jackson first earned recognition as a war hero in the Mexican War. His experience as a military instructor at the Virginia Military Institute, coupled with his war experience, earned him the rank of brigadier general at the first major battle of the Civil War near Manassas, Virginia. But it was Jackson’s conduct during that battle for which he earned his nickname “Stonewall.” During the battle, when lines were beginning to break, General Bernard E. Bee proclaimed, “There is Jackson standing like a stone wall.” In that moment a legend was born, as Jackson became known for his fierce tenacity and steadfastness in the heat of the battle.

Through the prophet Ezekiel, God spoke about this same type of faithfulness. Despairing of Israel’s lack of faith, God was searching for men and women who could be “stone walls” against evil. “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall,” the Lord said.

What does it mean to stand in the gap? For us, it means a willingness to stand up for what we know is right, even when we may be the only ones. It means befriending the kid at school who has no friends. It means sticking up for the one who is being bullied and mocked. It means making a difference for God by living according to his truth and Word.

How about you? Are you willing to stand in the gap?

“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30).

To do

How can you make a difference for God today? Write down three ways you can “stand in the gap” at school, at home, and in your neighborhood.

Also on this day . . .

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day.

1799—Edward Jenner introduced the smallpox vaccine.

1846—The first issue of the Daily News, edited by Charles Dickens, was published.

1976—The French Concorde SST aircraft began regular commercial service for Air France and British Airways.

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.

At 69, Ronald Reagan was the oldest person to become U.S. President.

When Ronald Reagan came to the White House in 1981 for the first of his two terms as president, he was well past the age when most people retire. When he left the White House in 1989 at age 77, President Reagan was eight years older than the next-oldest president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, was when he left office in 1961.

The president was often the first to joke about his age. At one point, he reportedly said, “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.’ And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying.” But perhaps his most well-known quip about his age came during a debate with Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale. The president, who was some 17 years older than his opponent, asserted, “I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”

We live in a society that values youthfulness. Thousands of dollars are spent each year on ways to preserve youth—plastic surgery, diet and exercise plans, laser eye surgery, hair transplants. In some cultures, however, age is a sign of wisdom and authority. Elders are to be respected and cared for. That’s how the Bible says we as Christians should act. Where elders are respected, long life is a blessing, not a joke.

In Leviticus 19:32, God tells us to “Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged.” In fact, wrote Paul, “And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, ‘you will live a long life, full of blessing’” (Ephesians 6:3).

Good advice to follow, don’t you think?

Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to those who have lived many years (Job 12:12).

To Do

Write a letter to an older person that you know—a grandparent, teacher, pastor, or even your parent. Tell this person the many ways he or she has helped you and the many reasons for your respect.

Also on this day . . .

1885—The roller coaster was patented by L.A. Thompson.

1937—Franklin Delano Roosevelt became the first president to be inaugurated on January 20. The 20^th Amendment of the Constitution officially set the date for the swearing in of the President and Vice President.

1964—The album “Meet the Beatles” was released in the U.S., marking the start of the Beatles’ English invasion.

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.

In 1903, a French sports newspaper announced the inception of the Tour de France.

The world’s greatest bicycle race was started as a way to increase the circulation of a French sports newspaper. The newspaper’s cycling reporter suggested a six-day race over roads and towns rather than on a track. On January 19, 1903, it was announced that a month-long bike race would be held from Paris to Lyon to Marseille to Toulouse to Bordeaux to Nantes to Paris—and the Tour de France was born.

The first race attracted 60 riders and included six stages covering approximately 2,388 kilometers (about 1,400 miles). The most recent Tour de France included a pre-race prologue, 20 stages, and covered 3,390 kilometers. The race, which runs for 22 days with only two days of rest, is a test of human spirit as much as physical prowess. As six-time winner Lance Armstrong explained, “I believe that the man who works the hardest is the man who deserves to win.” Perseverance—working hard day after day in the rain, the heat, or up in the mountains—is the key to winning what some consider the greatest sporting event in the world.

That same characteristic is also needed living out your faith each day. In fact, the apostle Paul compared living as a Christian to a race. In 1 Corinthians 9:24 Paul writes, “Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win.” What is the prize? Paul calls it the “eternal prize” of heaven.

The persevering Christian prays consistently, gives thanks consistently, and keeps his or her focus on Jesus—the lead runner and model finisher of the race.

How’s your race coming along?

“And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish” (Hebrews 12:1,2).

To Do

Reflect on the faith race you are running. Assess how you are doing. What do you need to improve? Where do you excel?

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Popcorn Day.

Today is National Penguin Awareness Day.

1807—General Robert E. Lee was born today.

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.

In 1997, Norwegian Børge Ousland completed the first solo crossing of Antarctica via the South Pole.

Since 1915 adventurers, explorers, and polar travelers have dreamed about crossing Antarctica alone. Many tried, and just as many failed. Norwegian adventurer Børge Ousland had tried once in 1995 and had failed. Undeterred, Ousland returned to Antarctica in 1996. He was joined by polar travelers from four other nations. But in 1997, Ousland stood alone as the only man to successfully travel the 1,675 miles across the South Pole. Four years later, Ousland made a complete North Pole crossing, becoming the first man to cross both poles completely solo.

In explaining why he crossed both poles alone, Ousland said, “It must be the hard, strong nature, and the back to basic feeling I get when I am out there. When you do unsupported expeditions to the poles, there is no way to cheat; it is your own ability, strength, and preparations that will decide if you make it or not.”

For Ousland, the hardest aspect of either trek was overcoming the mental obstacle—knowing that he was completely alone. “I had to break a lot of mental borders before I even could make the decisions to start. No one had even tried it before, and not many believed I would make it,” he recalled.

Doing anything solo is much harder than having someone by your side. King David knew that firsthand. Many times in his life David felt completely alone and abandoned. Many of his psalms reflected his feelings of loneliness. In Psalm 25, David wrote, “Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and in deep distress” (v. 16). But during his deepest times of distress, David remembered who was walking beside him, ready to comfort him at a moment’s notice.

Read the familiar verses of David’s most famous psalm. These are good words to remember when you are going solo.

Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4).

To Do

Read Psalm 23 aloud. Memorize it and recite it to someone in your home.

Also on this day . . .

Today is Winnie the Pooh Day (author A.A. Milne was born in 1882).

1896—The X-ray machine was exhibited for the first time. It cost the public 25 cents to see the machine.

1943—U.S. bakers stopped selling sliced bread. Only whole loaves were sold until the end of World War II.

1944—The first jazz concert was held at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The stars of the concert were Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Artie Shaw, Roy Eldridge, and Jack Teagarden.

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.

Ben Franklin was born on this day in 1706.

Inventor, writer, diplomat, businessman, musician, scientist, humorist, civic leader, international celebrity, genius: all these titles can be used to describe one of the most remarkable people of American history, Ben Franklin. Born into the family of a Boston candle maker, Benjamin Franklin not only helped found a new nation, but he also helped define the American character.

Franklin was an inventor, credited with inventions such as the lighting rod, the Franklin stove, and bifocals. He was also an international statesman, crossing the Atlantic eight times to help negotiate the treaties that led to the formation of the United States.

Franklin was also a publisher and a writer. His most famous publication was Poor Richard’s Almanac, which Franklin first published in 1732 under the pseudonym Richard Saunders. The 26 editions of Poor Richard’s Almanac were filled with calendar, weather, and astronomical information. But what Franklin’s almanac was most well-known for was his collection of humorous sayings and advice, such as “Fish and visitors smell after three days”; “Necessity never made a good bargain”; and “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

Of course, Franklin was not the first to write a collection of witty sayings. Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, passed on his wisdom in the book of Proverbs. Each short, concise statement conveyed a truth for practical living. But the main theme of Solomon’s proverbs was that the source of all true wisdom was God. Centuries before Ben Franklin ever walked the earth, Solomon wrote, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”

Those are some wise words worth remembering!

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7).

To Do

Read Proverbs chapter 2. Write down a list of all the benefits of wisdom that you find there.

Also on this day . . .

1806—James Madison Randolph, grandson of President Thomas Jefferson, was the first child born in the White House.

1871—Andrew S. Hallidie of San Francisco, California received a patent for a cable car system.

1962—Jim Carrey 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.