In 1974, President Gerald Ford gave unconditional pardon to Richard Nixon for any crimes committed during the Watergate scandal.

Following the 1972 presidential election, the country was shocked by the growing revelation of a scandal of political sabotage, criminal crimes involving burglary and break-ins, and a massive cover-up operation that crept all the way into the White House and the Oval Office. As a result, President Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency and left the White House.

Vice President Gerald Ford took office and soon after decided, “My conscience tells me clearly and certainly that I cannot prolong the bad dreams that continue to reopen a chapter that is closed. My conscience tells me that only I, as President, have the constitutional power to firmly shut and seal this book.” And so, Gerald Ford gave Richard Nixon an absolute and unconditional pardon.

It was a highly unpopular decision, and it probably cost President Ford reelection to office in 1976. Despite that, President Ford has maintained that it was best for the country.

We don’t like it when people seem to “get off the hook” and are not punished for their wrongdoings. We want justice. Or do we? What about when it comes to the wrong things we do? Aren’t there times when we would really appreciate an “unconditional pardon” when we mess up?

The good news is that because of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross, we always have an unconditional and absolute pardon for our sins. Remember the two thieves who were crucified along with Jesus that Good Friday? One mocked Jesus. The other, realizing who Jesus really was, asked for a pardon. Remember Jesus’ words? “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Pardoned. Forgiven. That’s good news for people who mess up, make wrong choices, and do bad things. That’s good news for all of us.

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

To Do

What do you need an unconditional pardon for today? Ask Jesus. He will pardon you.

Also on this day

Today is National Grandparents Day. Give one of yours a call or a hug today!

Today also is National Iguana Awareness Day. (Don’t hug an iguana!)

1966—Star Trek premiered on TV.

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 1921, the first Miss America Beauty Pageant was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

When officials introduced the first Miss America Beauty Pageant, they said, “Miss America represents the highest ideals. She is a real combination of beauty, grace, and intelligence, artistic and refined. She is a type which the American girl might well emulate.”

In years since then, Miss America winners have been intent on making a difference in people’s lives through charitable and community projects. For example, Jean Bartel, Miss America 1943, used her celebrity in the war effort, and she was credited with selling more war bonds than anyone else in the country—$2.5 million worth of them. Kate Shindle, Miss America 1998, spent her year of service talking to groups about the HIV-AIDS cause, attending the 12^th World AIDS Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Miss America today continues that tradition, traveling more than 20,000 miles a month, promoting her ideals and carrying out her commitment to help others. According to pageant officials, Miss America is more than just a title. Miss America represents a tradition of style, sophistication, and service.

Thousands of years before Miss America ever walked down the runway in Atlantic City, a young Jewish girl won a beauty pageant of her own. For her beauty and grace, Esther earned the title Queen and an honored place in her husband’s palace. Yet, when she was faced with a choice of losing all of it, including her life, in order to help save her people, Esther knew she had only one choice. She had to speak up, no matter what the consequences.

Esther’s beauty and character won the king’s heart and affection. But it was her courage and her willingness to serve others that saved God’s people.

Esther was more than just another queen. She was God’s woman, ready to answer his call.

When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her (Esther 2:15).

To Do

Make a list of the characteristics that you believe make a person truly beautiful. Who best fits those traits?

Also on this day

1533—Queen Elizabeth I of England was born in Greenwich.

1813—The nickname Uncle Sam was first used as a symbolic reference to the United States.

1860—American painter Anna Mary (Robertson) Moses was born in New York. Today is known as “Grandma Moses Day.”

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.

Marquis de Lafayette was born on 1757.

Although Marquis de Lafayette was a member of the wealthy French nobility, he decided at a young age to volunteer his services to the American fight for independence. When he was only 20, Lafayette left his homeland and traveled to America to volunteer his services.

When the Continental Congress met Lafayette and heard of his desire to serve without pay as an officer in the army, they immediately made him a Major General. Later that summer Lafayette met General George Washington, and a friendship developed between the two men that lasted throughout Washington’s lifetime.

How strong that bond was between the two men became evident later. In December of 1777, Lafayette had joined Washington at his winter quarters at Valley Forge. At that time, several officers tried to stir up opposition to Washington and have him replaced as commander of the armies. When they approached Lafayette, he not only turned them down, but also wrote a letter to Washington pledging his unfailing loyalty to him. To Lafayette, his friendship with Washington was more important than the possibility of advancing his own career.

Friends do that. They stand by their friends. They don’t look for ways to benefit themselves at the expense of a friend. And they don’t join with others who are plotting against a friend.

When others try to get you to join them instead of sticking by a friend, be like Lafayette. Refuse to go along with their plans. Then pledge your loyalty to your friend. Your friend won’t ever forget it!

My child, fear the Lord and the king, and don’t associate with rebels (Proverbs 24:21).

To Do

Who has been loyal to you? Take time to thank them for standing by you when troubles come.

Also on this day

1860—Jane Addams was born. She was the founder of the Hull House and was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

1899—Carnation processed its first can of evaporated milk.

1959—The first Barbie® doll was sold by Mattel Toy Corporation.

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 Be Late for Something Day.

Name the person in your life who is late for everything. Come on. We all know at least one person for whom we seem to spend hours waiting. Maybe it’s even you! Today was made especially for those people. Be Late for Something Day gives all of us—latecomers and early birds alike—permission to be late.

Now there are times when you don’t mind being late—like when there’s a family get-together of your least favorite relatives or the dentist appointment that you’ve been dreading. You don’t mind being late for dinner when the menu includes brussel sprouts and liver. But you sure don’t want to be late for dessert or going to your friend’s house when you are going to try out the latest video game. And you probably don’t want to be late for school—because too many tardies may land you in the principal’s office!

Definitely you don’t want to be late for God. Sometimes, especially when it comes to God, we feel we have all the time in the world. You think, “I’ll start having a daily quiet time next month. I’m really busy with __________ (fill in the blank) right now.” Or “I’ll start a prayer journal next week when school settles down.” Or even, “I don’t have to start getting serious about God right now. I’m young! I’ll think about him later.”

It’s true that right now is an exciting time for you. Many opportunities are available to you. It seems as if you have your whole life ahead of you. There’s plenty of time. But now is the time to begin those habits and form that relationship with God while you are young, energetic, and open. Later may be just that—too late.

As Jeremiah says, “Give glory to the Lord your God before it is too late.”

Give glory to the Lord your God before it is too late. Acknowledge him before he brings darkness upon you, causing you to stumble and fall on the dark mountains. For then, when you look for light, you will find only terrible darkness (Jeremiah 13:16).

To Do

Count the times you are late for something today or times you have to wait for other people because they are late.

Also on this day

1698—Russian Czar Peter the Great imposed a tax on beards.

1836—Sam Houston was elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas.

1930—Charles Creighton and James Hagis completed the drive from New York City to Los Angeles and back to New York City—all in reverse gear. The trip took 42 days in their 1929 Ford Model A.

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 2002, singer Kelly Clarkson was voted the first American Idol on the Fox TV series.

Since the show made its debut in 2002, American Idol has captured the attention of people throughout the country. Millions of viewers tune in each week to watch the talent show. They vote to determine which of the contestants will remain to sing another week. Eventually contestants are whittled down to a final pair—and in 2002 Kelly Clarkson won the honor of being the first American Idol by beating out Justin Guarini.

Clarkson went from a virtual unknown to an overnight household name. Soon after winning the contest, Clarkson not only received a check for $1 million, but she also signed a recording contract, appeared on numerous TV shows, and has produced several top-selling CDs. In addition, she has become the inspiration of millions of young singers who believe they have what it takes to become the next American Idol.

As American Idol entered its fourth season, America’s obsession for this talent search remained strong. The American Idol Web site was the most-searched site on the Internet. As one entertainment watcher put it, “Americans worship the ‘Idol’.”

Whoa! Idols in modern-day America? What’s that about? Throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, God warned his people to stay away from idols—false gods that people made from stone, wood, or metal. But in reality, an idol is anything that takes our attention and our worship away from God. Your idol could be television, video games, sports, or even a person like an American Idol winner.

While none of these things are bad in and of themselves, when we spend too much time and energy devoted to that one thing, we are in danger of making that an idol in our lives.

Is there something in your life that’s threatening to become an idol?

Do not put your trust in idols or make gods of metal for yourselves. I, the Lord, am your God (Leviticus 19:4).

To Do

Survey your family and friends. Ask them to name three “idols” that could come between them and God.

Also on this day

1781—Los Angeles was founded by Spanish settlers.

1888—George Eastman registered the name Kodak and patented his roll-film camera. The camera took 100 exposures per roll.

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 National Be Nice to New Jersey Day.

Out of all 50 states in America, there’s one state that comedians seem to enjoy putting down more than any other—New Jersey. So many jokes have been made about the state that a day has been proclaimed “Be Nice to New Jersey Day.” Whether it’s the funny “Joisey” accent, the famous mosquitoes, the New Jersey Turnpike (“which exit do you live off of?”) or the number of toxic garbage dumps in the state, New Jersey gets a bad rap.

But did you know that two of the nation’s oldest universities, Princeton and Rutgers, are located in New Jersey? President Grover Cleveland came from the state, as well as singers Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen. The state ranks in the Top 10 in the nation in the number of manufacturing sites and in payroll. And its nickname is the Garden State.

So why do people like to pick on New Jersey so much? Maybe because it makes them feel better about the place they live knowing that there’s a worse place to be. Or they like to think that they’re somehow better people because they don’t live in New Jersey.

Paul warned us about having an attitude like that. In Philippians 2:3, 4, Paul said followers of Christ need to think of others more highly than themselves. That means instead of thinking how great we are at soccer, we should applaud our teammates’ efforts. Instead of thinking how smart we are, we should take note of the kid who excels at working with his hands or creating graphics on the computer. Our model should be Jesus who, even though he was God himself, came to earth as a helpless baby and lived his entire life serving others.

So the next time you meet someone from New Jersey, resist the urge to laugh. Instead say, “Hey, what a great state. Tell me about it!”

Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing (Philippians 2:3, 4).

To Do

Show someone, either through words or your actions, that you think highly of them.

Also on this day

1783—The Revolutionary War ended with the Treaty of Paris.

1895—The first professional football game was played in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The Latrobe YMCA defeated the Jeannette Athletic Club 12–0.

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.

In 1985, it was announced that the Titanic had been found 560 miles off the Newfoundland coast. It had been missing for 73 years.

Even though it had been missing for more than 73 years, the search for the Titanic had never stopped. The ill-fated luxury liner, billed as the safest ship ever built, left England on April 10, 1912. Her passengers were a mixture of the world’s wealthiest along with immigrants seeking their fortune in America. Four days into her journey, she struck an iceberg, and less than three hours later, sank into the frigid waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.

What fascinated people about the tragedy then was that the ship represented the best in technology at the time. It took the very best of technology 73 years later to discover the Titanic’s final resting place. Teams of scientists from France and the United States joined efforts using state-of-the art sonar and video camera equipment to locate the ship. The efforts had begun in early 1985, but the first visual contact of the sunken ship did not occur until September 1.

Imagine the countless hours and thousands of dollars that went into finding that one lost ship. Even after it was discovered, researchers kept its exact location a secret for fear that treasure-seekers would try to find the ship and steal items from it.

What treasure do you seek? How long would you search for it? Jesus said that the most valuable treasure is the kingdom of Heaven. A person should be willing to give up everything to have it. In Matthew 13:45, 46, Jesus describes a pearl merchant who discovered the most valuable pearl imaginable. When he found it, the merchant sold everything he had to own that pearl.

That’s how we should be when it comes to God’s kingdom. Don’t let anything distract or prevent you from seeking God’s kingdom.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” (Matthew 13:45, 46).

To Do

What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom? Write down three ways you can do that today.

Also on this day

1666—The Great Fire of London was started. Ten thousand buildings were destroyed, but only six people were killed.

1789—The U.S. Treasury Department was established.

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.

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September.

Labor Day was created by the labor movement to honor the achievements of American workers. It is a yearly tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our nation.

The very first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. Two years later, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, and labor officials in New York City urged labor organizations in other cities to follow New York’s example and celebrate a “workingman’s holiday” on that date.

Finally, in 1894 (an election year), President Grover Cleveland signed into law a bill that would officially make Labor Day a national holiday. He had hoped that in doing so he would gain the support of workers for his reelection. It didn’t work, and he lost.

While the holiday has its roots in the political movement of workers, today the holiday is more a tribute to summer’s last long weekend. Still, honoring work and those who do it is a good thing to do, and it has a biblical basis. In the Bible we learn that God wants his people to pay workers fairly and promptly (Deuteronomy 24:14, 15 and Malachi 3:5). Hard work is encouraged (Ecclesiastes 5:12) and laziness is criticized (Proverbs 10:4; 10:26; 12:24). And Paul urged believers to follow his example and work hard so that they would not be a burden to anyone (1 Thessalonians 2:9).

In addition, God also honors all those who work for him. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 that our work is important. Whatever work we do for God—whether it’s helping out with Sunday school or volunteering to collect food for the needy—will have eternal results.

So what are you waiting for? Get to work!

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT).

To Do

Write a note to one or more of the “workers” in your life—a teacher, pastor, police officer, doctor—and thank them for the work they do to help make your life better.

Also on this day

Today is Emma M. Nutt Day in honor of the first telephone operator.

1972—America’s Bobby Fischer beat Russia’s Boris Spassky to become world chess champion. The chess match took place in Reykjavik, Iceland.

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).

On this day in 1995, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum opened in Cleveland, Ohio.

Having fame means being famous, being known by a lot of people. Some individuals are well-known, not for the good they do, but for their bad actions. We call them infamous. Criminals, terrorists, tyrants, and other terrible characters fall in that category.

Most of the time, when we talk about fame, we mean people who have achieved something significant and good. And in American we have carried this to an extreme. We now have “halls of fame” for rock and roll music, baseball, football, radio broadcasting, Italian Americans, and freshwater fishermen—just to name just a few. And almost every week seems to feature some sort of special awards show. We certainly seem obsessed with fame.

Actually it starts when we’re quite young, and we try hard to be popular in our school, neighborhood, or town. Looking back, we can think of how silly it all seems—why did we think being a big deal in elementary school was so important?

Fame at any level in this world really is no big deal and shouldn’t be so important to us. Instead, we should be concerned with what God thinks of us, not people, and we should be concerned with spreading his fame.

Pharaoh was a big deal in Egypt and in the whole world of his day. But that meant nothing, zero, zilch, zip in the big picture. In fact, God told him (see today’s verse) that he had only been allowed to have power and prestige so that God’s fame would spread.

Here’s the point: whether you’re a big deal or little deal, famous our unknown, popular or not, what matters most is if you are working to spread God’s fame. So what do people know about God from knowing you? Seek heavenly fame.

For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you, and so that my fame might spread throughout the earth” (Romans 9:17).

To Do

Think of the Christians who have influenced you the most (parents, other relatives, Sunday-school teachers, pastors). They may not be famous in the world’s eyes, but they’re in your “hall of fame.” Thank God for investing in your life through those other believers.

Also on this day . . .

1964—California officially became the most populated state in America.

1887—The kinetoscope was patented by Thomas Edison. The device was used to produce moving pictures.

1998—Titanic became the first movie in North America to earn more than $600 million.

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).

On this day in 1993, the Late Show with David Letterman debuted on CBS.

For more than twenty-three years David Letterman has hosted his late night television talk show, first on NBC (1982 to 1993) and then on CBS. Known for his off-the-wall humor, a regular feature has been “stupid human tricks.” That’s where individuals will display their unique talents or abilities. The tricks aren’t really stupid—they’re just strange and different, like the rest of the show.

The fact is, all of us humans do “stupid tricks” every day. We take actions and make choices that take us in the wrong direction. Sometimes when we make bad choices our actions hurt ourselves and others. We may give in to temptation, waste time and money, or disobey our parents . . . not too smart.

The worst trick, however, is to put anyone or anything in God’s place in our lives. The Bible calls this idolatry. An idol can be almost anything, even things that aren’t usually seen as bad. If it becomes more important to us than God, taking his place, then it’s an idol. An idol can be a hobby or sport, a talent or interest, a person or relationship, a possession or money.

So think about it—do you have any idols? Keep God first in your life. Don’t pull a “stupid human trick.”

The wisest of people who worship idols are stupid and foolish. The things they worship are made of wood! (Jeremiah 10:8).

To Do

Take a sheet of scratch paper and list everything in your life that has the possibility of becoming an idol. Then pray about each item on the list, giving it to God.

Also on this day . . .

1682—William Penn sailed from England and later established the colony of Pennsylvania in America.

1965—Thurgood Marshall was confirmed by the Senate as a Supreme Court justice. Marshall was the first black justice to sit on the Supreme Court.

1984—The space shuttle Discovery lifted off for the first time.

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).