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.

On this day in 1759 Parson Mason Weems was born.

Who on earth was Parson Mason Weems? you’re probably wondering. Well, in his book, The Life and Memorable Actions of George Washington, he wrote about young George cutting down the cherry tree. When confronted by his father, George supposedly said, “I cannot tell a lie,” and then he admitted his guilt.

That’s an interesting story, and it’s usually presented as historical fact. But no one has been able to verify that the event actually occurred. Evidently Mr. Weems invented the story to create a better image of George Washington for the American people.

These days stories, especially ones about famous people, spread quickly. Many people believe the stories just because they’re in print. Urban legends are that way. And some phony stories are hoaxes—started by someone trying to fool others.

These tales may cause people to respond foolishly. Some damage reputations. So be careful what you believe when you read or hear something. Always try to find out the truth.

In many of the early churches, false stories—rumors and teaching—were being spread. Unfortunately some of the new believers were being fooled and led astray. So the apostle Paul wrote them to bring them back to the truth of God’s Word.

Today’s Bible selection is one of those occasions. Paul was shocked that the Galatians were “being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ.”

That’s a good lesson for us, especially with so many false stories flying around these days. We should always check with the Bible to see if a statement or story is true. That goes for what we see on TV and in movies, what we read in books and on the Internet, and what we hear. The truth is way more important than an interesting story.

Don’t be fooled!

I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who in his love and mercy called you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ. You are already following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ Galatians 1:6, 7).

To Do

Ask your parents to tell you about the urban legends they once believed were true. Have them tell you how they discovered that the stories weren’t true. Then ask about something they’ve heard about God that isn’t true and what the truth is.

Also on this day

This is National Sausage Pizza Day.

1984—Space shuttle Challenger astronaut Kathryn Sullivan became the first American woman to walk in space.

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 1886, the first dinner jacket was worn to the autumn ball at Tuxedo Park, New York.

Now you know where the name tuxedo came from. And ever since that fateful day in New York, men have been wearing tuxes at special occasions.

Actually getting dressed up can be fun, especially when we’re looking forward to the event—a concert, a dinner, a party, a wedding. But have you ever heard the expression, “All dressed up, but no place to go”? That paints a very sad picture. It implies that the person either missed the party or didn’t get invited.

Jesus once described the kingdom of God as a party, a banquet, a wedding feast (see Matthew 22:1-14). And he talked about the necessity of wearing “the proper clothes” (v. 11). He was illustrating the truth that everyone who enters Heaven must be clothed in Christ’s righteousness. God provides the “formal attire” for the occasion.

Today, many people think God will allow them to party at his banquet because they are decent people—they haven’t done anything really terrible, or they have done a bunch of good deeds. Those “clothes” might look OK here on earth, but they won’t make it there. The Bible is very clear that only by putting our trust in Jesus—believing in him as God’s Son and that he died on the cross for our sins, admitting our sinfulness, and asking him to take over—can we be saved.

And you know what’s really sad? These right clothes are available to anyone who believes, yet so many refuse. They’d rather wear their rags than God’s “tuxedo.”

There’s another event where a person wears fancy clothes—for his or her funeral. Everyone goes there sooner or later. Sadly, many will be all dressed up with no good place to go.

And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again . . . he will bring salvation to all those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:27, 28).

To Do

Stop and pray right now for your relatives, friends, and neighbors who do not know Christ. Ask God to open their hearts to him and his free gift of forgiveness and salvation.

Also on this day

This is Bring Your Teddy to Work Day. (Can you bear it?)

1845—The United States Naval Academy opened in Annapolis, Maryland.

1969—Pro football quarterback Brett Favre 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 1888, the public was admitted to the Washington Monument for the first time.

At 555 feet high, the Washington Monument is one of the tallest masonry structures in the world, towering over everything in Washington, D.C. From the top you can see the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Capitol building.

Washington, D.C. is filled with monuments, but just about every city and town has them. Some are huge, like the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and some small, like roadside plaques.

Monuments and memorials remind us of important events and people. (We talked about this on Memorial Day.) At this stage in your life, memorials probably don’t mean as much as they will when you get older, but your parents may find some of them very moving. Monuments and memorials were important to God’s people in the Old Testament as well. After a great victory (or great tragedy), they would erect one so that the Israelites would never forget the event and the lessons learned. Today’s verse is a good example. These remembrances usually marked a spiritual occasion, helping everyone remember God and his great work among them.

We’ve gotten away from building spiritual memorials, so we find it easy to forget those times when God acted in a mighty way on our behalf. Maybe we ought to start that tradition again. For example, you may have a rock or shell from a camp, retreat, or vacation where you made an important decision. It sits on your shelf, reminding you of that special time. Photographs are great for this, as long as we have them out where we can see them. Keeping a journal or diary is another way of remembering what God has done. You can go back and read what you were feeling at a tough time in your life, and then weeks or months later see how God used that time for your growth.

Make a point of remembering God’s goodness and your special moments with him.

“Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a permanent memorial among the people of Israel” (Joshua 4:7).

To Do

Think of a fitting memorial for when you accepted Christ as Savior. You might want to write the date, time, and place on a clean sheet of paper, decorate it, and put in on a bedroom wall.

Also on this day

This is Leif Erikson Day because on this day in 1002 Leif Erikson landed on North America.

1983—Helen Moss joined the Brownies at the age of 83. She became the oldest person to become a member.

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.