On this day in 620 BC Aesop was born.

You’ve probably heard of Aesop (pronounced “ee-sop”) because of Aesop’s Fables. According to one historian, Aesop was a slave who lived in Samos (a Greek island) in the 6th cent. B.C. and eventually was freed by his master. We don’t know much more. But a bunch of “fables” carry his name as author: “The Tortoise and the Hare,” “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” “The Lion and the Mouse,” and The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”? to name a few.

A fable is a made up story that teaches a lesson. In a fable, we look for the moral to the story. Also, fables often feature talking animals (that’s one way to know that they’re totally fiction). So fables themselves are not true, but they can convey truths.

Some people say the Bible is a collection of “fables.” In other words, they think the stories are interesting and can even teach valuable lessons, but they’re not strictly true. They might say, for example, that the Israelites didn’t really cross the Red Sea on dry ground, that the walls of Jericho didn’t really fall down when the trumpets blew, that Jonah wasn’t really swallowed by a great fish, and that Jesus didn’t really heal people and rise from the dead. Some people take it a step further and choose some stories to believe and some to not believe.

That’s wrong.

The Bible is God’s Word. It claims to be truth and has proven to be factual and truthful in every thing it states. And Jesus said he was the Truth (see John 14:6). In today’s verses for example, Jesus says that he is telling the truth.

Here’s the point—you can believe the Bible, all of it. It’s not a fable—it’s true. Don’t be fooled by anyone who tells you otherwise.

“So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! [46] Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me?” (John 8:45–46)

To Do

Get a concordance (sometimes one is in the back of your Bible). Look under the word “truth”; then look up a bunch of the verses listed.

Also on this day . . .

1896—Henry Ford made a successful test drive of his new car in Detroit, Michigan. He called the vehicle a “quadricycle.”

1919—The U.S. Senate passed the Women’s Suffrage bill, allowing women to vote.

1939—In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Sylvan Goldman introduced the first shopping cart—a folding chair mounted on wheels.

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 1932 Lou Gehrig set a major league baseball record when he hit four consecutive home runs.

Today, most people know the name “Lou Gehrig” only because of a disease named after him—the disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), that took his life in 1941. But Gehrig was an amazing baseball player, hitting for power and batting average. And for many years he held the record for playing in consecutive games—2130. During that streak, he played with broken bones (at least 17) and back spasms. No wonder he was called “the Iron Horse.”

Eventually, in 1995, Cal Ripken, Jr. broke that record. Ripken wound up playing in 2632 consecutive games. Both of those streaks are amazing. Imagine everything that might keep someone out of a game. In addition to injury, there’s sickness, family issues (births, deaths, etc.), and, of course, exhaustion. One thing’s for sure—every day, every game, the manager knew that Lou or Cal would be ready to play.

That’s faithfulness—being the kind of person who can be counted on, no matter what. You know people like that, don’t you? Maybe a teacher, coach, or pastor. Certainly your mom and dad. Hopefully even a friend or two.

God is faithful. Check out Lamentations 3:23: “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.” We know we can count on God to be with us, everywhere, all the time.

But God wants us to be faithful as well. That’s the point of today’s verse. Paul was telling the Thessalonian believers he was proud that they had remained strong and faithful, through all kinds of trouble. He knew he could count on them to live for Christ.

How about you? If asked to describe you, would friends and others who know you say “faithful”? Determine to be someone that people, and especially God, can count on. Start a faithfulness streak today.

We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. (2 Thessalonians 1:4)

To Do

Think of someone who has been faithful to you (a friend, a teacher, and so forth). Take a few minutes and write that person a note, acknowledging his or her faithfulness and thanking him or her for it.

Also on this day . . .

1800—John Adams moved to Washington, D.C. He was the first president to live in what later became the capitol of the United States.

1851—The New York Knickerbockers became the first baseball team to wear uniforms.

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 1953 Queen Elizabeth II of England was crowned in Westminster Abbey.

The coronation of a king or queen is magnificent, with grand and colorful ceremonies and pageantry. Thousands of people line the streets as the procession moves slowly to the site. Then, with costumed men trumpeting their arrival, the new king or queen walks up the carpet to the church. At the appropriate time, the climax of the ceremony, the crown is placed on the royal head and he or she is declared to be the “King” or “Queen.” It’s quite an event.

The Bible calls Jesus, “King of kings and Lord of lords.” In other words, of all the kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, and other national leaders who have ever lived, Jesus, our Lord, rules. He doesn’t await a coronation—he already is King. He is above all, and, eventually, “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 2:10–11).

In 1851, Matthew Bridges wrote the hymn, “Crown Him With Many Crowns.” Based on Revelation 19:12, it celebrates the truth that Christ truly is our King and that we should honor him as such. You probably remember the song. It begins, “Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne: Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns all music but its own! Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee, and hail him as thy matchless King thru all eternity.”

To have Christ as King, however, means more than saying he is or than singing songs about him. It means honoring him and obeying him. He needs to rule, now, in our hearts. Eventually we will see him in person, in heaven, and we’ll be able to lay all our “crowns” before him.

The twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one who lives forever and ever. And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:10–11)

To Do

Find “Crown Him With Many Crowns” in a hymnal. Then, play it on the piano, sing it, or just read the words. Thank God for his Son, Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Also on this day . . .

1883—The first night baseball game was held, under the lights, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

1886—President Grover Cleveland was married while serving his term.

1933—President Franklin D. Roosevelt had the first swimming pool built inside the White House.

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 1813 Captain James Lawrence, the Commander of the U.S. Chesapeake, exclaimed “Don’t give up the ship!”

During the War of 1812, James Lawrence was promoted to captain and was given command of the Chesapeake at Boston. On his way out of Boston harbor he fought the British frigate Shannon. In the battle, the captain was mortally wounded. As he was being carried from the deck words, he shouted, “Tell the men to fire faster and not to give up the ship.” That phrase, “Don’t give up the ship!”, became the Americans’ battle cry.

Giving up sounds good when life gets tough. Athletes know this. Getting outscored early in the game, they can think, “What’s the use. We’re gonna get slaughtered!” Or a long-distance runner may fall behind and consider quitting. But then the coach yells, “Don’t give up! Keep going! Be strong—you can do it!” And the inspired team or runner works even harder, and, sometimes, even comes from behind to win.

Refusing to give up means doing what we know is right even when we don’t feel like it or the odds are stacked against us. We can feel like quitting in a lot of places: in school, doing work, in a relationship, even with our faith.

The early Christians knew that feeling. They lost jobs and friends for following Christ. Eventually the government branded them criminals, jailed them, and treated them terribly. They were told, “Turn your back on Jesus, and we’ll let you go.” But the believers hung tough because they knew the truth and that God was real.

In today’s verse the apostle Paul encourages believers to persevere, to endure. In fact, he said they should be happy because those tough times would make them stronger. Paul knew that—he had endured terrible punishments and abuse for following Christ.

So whatever you face, remember, “Don’t give up the ship!” and persevere.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. (Romans 5:3–4)

To Do

Read a story of a Christian who was persecuted for his or her faith. Your pastor or parent probably will know where to find one. If not, check out www.persecution.com, the website of Voice of the Martyrs.

Also on this day . . .

1938—The first Superman Comic was published.

1938—Baseball helmets were worn for the first time—ouch!

1944—The government of Mexico abolished the “siesta” (naptime).

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 Smile Power Day.

OK, let’s say you’re heading for school, and you’re running late. The weather’s gloomy, matching your mood. You almost trip near the door and splatter yourself and your books on the sidewalk. Out of breath, you rush into class and plop into your seat. Expecting the worst, you look up and see your teacher . . . smiling! Now how do you feel?

Smiles say a bunch. They welcome and invite us, letting us in on the fun. They brighten a room. We love seeing smiles from a coach, the principal, our parents, and a friend.

Frowns seem to come more easily, especially when we hear bad news or think about our problems and troubles.

Smiles only come when we’re having fun or focusing on what’s good in our lives. Here’s a short list.

• God created you in his image, loves you, and wants nothing but the best for you.
• God sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sins, so you could live with him forever.
• God has given you life and surrounded you with family, friends, teachers, and others who care about you.
• You can think, talk, see, walk, eat, smell, hear, taste, cry, and laugh (or, at least, most of those).
• You have a great sense of humor.

Think about whose day you can brighten. Be a positive person. Lighten up! Smile! Pass the joy!

Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. (Colossians 3:16)

To Do

For a couple of hours today, try smiling at each person you see, even total strangers. Watch their reactions. Most will probably smile back!

Also on this day . . .

1775—George Washington was appointed head of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress.

1836—Arkansas became the 25^th U.S. state.

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 Memorial Day.

The first official Memorial Day was declared on May 5, 1886 by General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, as a tribute to the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives during the Civil War. The first observation of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

By 1890, the day was recognized by all the northern states. The South had its own Memorial Day until after World War I when the day was changed from honoring just the Civil War dead to include all Americans who had died fighting in any war.

We continue to observe Memorial Day as an important reminder of the many men and women who died serving our country. Remembering the past and honoring the people who have gone before us is important in understanding our history and what makes us Americans. It is also important in understanding our faith.

When Joshua and the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, they had an important job to do before they began conquering the land. God commanded the people to stop and build a memorial using 12 stones—one for each tribe of Israel. Why did God want them to spend the time doing that? Because he wanted the people to remember who was guiding them and who had brought them into the land. It was important for the people to remember.

We need to remember God too, throughout the day. You can build memorials to God in your day by taking time to pause and thank God for what he has done for you this day.

Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you power to become rich, and he does it to fulfill the covenant he made with your ancestor. (Deuteronomy 8:18).

To Do

Remember your relationship with God. Use a drawing, a Bible verse, or a visual cue (such as a certain tree or building that you see frequently) as a reminder to spend time with him.

Also on this day . . .

1884—Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented “flaked” cereal.

1907—The first taxis arrived in New York City.

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 Be Kind to Animals month.

The saying goes that every dog has its day. Well, each May, dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, birds, and any other kind of animal you can name, have an entire month devoted especially to them. Be Kind to Animals Month is a great reminder of how we should treat our furry, feathered, finned, and scaly friends this month and throughout the year.

The Be Kind to Animals movement was started in 1915 by the American Humane Society as a celebration of animals—both wild and tame. Whether it’s taking your dog out for a walk, spreading some bird feed outside, or making sure your pet has a clean, safe, place to sleep, caring for animals is our responsibility. From the very beginning, God gave humans authority over the earth and its inhabitants: “Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals” (Genesis 1:28). That doesn’t mean we can do anything we want to God’s creatures. Rather, it means that we should care for God’s creation as he cares for us.

Here are 10 ways you can get involved in being kind to the animals in your life:

• Speak out for animals.
• Report animal cruelty whenever you see it.
• Adopt a pet from a shelter.
• Identify your pets with tags.
• Appreciate wildlife.
• Leave room in your yard for habitats for wildlife.
• Make a bird or bat house.
• Be a good role model for your friends in treating all animals with care.
• Volunteer at your local animal shelter.
• Keep on the lookout for stray or injured animals.
• Remember, whenever you show kindness to the critters God created, you also are pleasing him.

Good people take care of their animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs. (Proverbs 12:10, Today’s English Version).

To Do

Spend an extra few minutes playing with your pet today. Or if you don’t own one, help a friend who does.

Also on this day . . .

1783—The first daily newspaper was published in America.

1848—W.G. Young patented the ice cream freezer.

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 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary became the first person to climb to the top of Mount Everest.

The North Pole had been reached in 1909, the South Pole two years later. In 1953, the one remaining “frontier” for humans to conquer was Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, standing at an impressive and imposing 29,028 feet. At that time 15 expeditions had attempted to reach the top but had failed. It took a beekeeper from Auckland, New Zealand, and his Sherpa guide Tensing Norgay to accomplish that feat.

Edmund Hillary had devoted years of training to prepare for this attempt. He climbed the Southern Alps in summer and winter, to practice both rock climbing and ice pick work, and also took up wrestling. In 1951 Hillary made his first trip to the Himalayas, and the following year he joined a British Everest Committee training team.

Even with all these preparations, Hillary faced incredible obstacles. No one really knew the effects of high altitude and thin air on the body. It was an incredible test of strength, stamina, and courage. “We didn’t know if it was humanly possible to reach the top of Mt. Everest. And even using oxygen as we were, if we did get to the top, we weren’t at all sure whether we wouldn’t drop dead or something of that nature,” he said.

Hillary endured the test, and for his efforts, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and became an internationally known celebrity.

We all have times of testing in our lives. It may be a math class that is particularly challenging, or dealing with a person at school who is unpleasant to you. Whatever the test you face, we are instructed to “patiently endure testing” (James 1:12). In addition, “when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (James 1:4).

God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).

To Do

Think of a “test” that you are facing right now. Ask God to help you endure the test.

Also on this day . . .

1848—Wisconsin became the 30^th United State.

1911—The first Indianapolis 500 took place.

1917—John F. Kennedy, the 35^th president, 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.

Jim Thorpe was born on this day in 1888.

Considered by many to be the greatest athlete of his time, Jim Thorpe was born in a one-room cabin in what’s now Oklahoma. Thorpe was the great-great-grandson of an Indian warrior and athlete, Chief Black Hawk. He excelled at every sport he ever played.

Thorpe played football, baseball, and basketball, and he trained for the 1912 Olympics in track. He won gold medals in both the decathlon and pentathlon events at the Stockholm Olympics, but he was stripped of those medals when a sports reporter revealed that Thorpe had played semi-professional baseball as a youth. It wasn’t until after his death that Thorpe’s amateur status as an athlete was restored and his name reentered in the Olympic record book.

Earthly prizes are like that. Someone can take them away if the rules aren’t followed or if a mistake is made. They can get lost or stolen. They can collect dust on your shelf, or get shuffled into a corner in the back of your closet. Sometimes we win a prize that we want to hold on to, but those trophies and ribbons we’ve won for swim team, soccer, and other sports soon fade away.

Thankfully, those aren’t the only types of prizes that we will receive. As a follower of Jesus, one day when you are in heaven, you will receive an eternal prize. That’s right—a prize that will never fade, collect dust, or get lost, given to us by Jesus himself. And how do we win that prize? Not by running the fastest or scoring the most points or even doing the most good deeds. It’s a prize that goes to all who train themselves daily to walk in faith through prayer, Bible reading, and obedience to God.

How’s your training going?

All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize (1 Corinthians 9:25).

To Do

Make a daily “training” schedule for yourself of what you will do to keep your faith in shape. Include time for prayer, Bible reading, and praising God.

Also on this day . . .

1805—Napoleon was crowned in Milan, Italy.

1929—Warner Brothers debuted “On With the Show” in New York City. It was the first all-color talking picture.

1934—The Dionne quintuplets were born near Callender, Ontario, to Olivia and Elzire Dionne. The babies were the first quintuplets to survive infancy.

1998—Using photos taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, Dr. Susan Terebey discovered a planet outside of our solar system.

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 1969 construction began on Walt Disney World in Florida.

Walt Disney’s Disneyland was created as a place where families could go and lose themselves in a dream world of magic, make-believe, and fun. After its success, Walt had visions for another park, but on a much larger scale. He realized that he had not purchased enough land to do all he had wanted to do at the California site. The real world, he said, was still too close to his land of make-believe.

“I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the park,” Disney said. “I want them to feel they’re in another world.”

Even though Walt Disney never lived to see the opening of Walt Disney World, his vision was fulfilled. From the moment you enter the park, there is a sense of wonder, excitement, and fantasy. At any given moment, you may see Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, or any number of Disney characters strolling along the grounds. You can cruise through a jungle, ride in a giant teacup, or blast through space.

The real world is nothing like Disney’s creation. All you have to do is listen to the news to discover a world filled with conflicts, crime, and tragedy. Jesus told his disciples up-front that their lives would not be trouble-free: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33). But Jesus gives us a way to cope that is infinitely better than the fleeting fantasy escape of Walt Disney World. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, our guide and comforter, to help us deal with our troubled world.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you (John 14:16).

To Do

Find out more about the Holy Spirit. Read John 14:15-26 and John 16:5-15. Write down everything that the Holy Spirit will do for you.

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Grape Popsicle Day

1937—In California, the Golden Gate Bridge was opened to the public. The bridge connects San Francisco and Marin County.

1986—Mel Fisher recovered a jar that contained 2,300 emeralds from the Spanish ship Atocha, a ship that had sunk in the 17th century.

1994—The highest temperature produced in a lab was achieved at 918 million degrees Fahrenheit. Now that’s hot!

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.