On this day in 1770 Louis married Marie Antoinette.

When Louis, the French heir to the throne, married Marie Antoinette, the daughter of the Austrian Archduchess Maria Theresa and Holy Roman Emperor Francis I, he hoped the union would strengthen France. Four years later, following the death of King Louis XV, those plans took a step forward as the two were crowned king and queen of France.

The plan, however, was doomed to failure. Louis was unable to deal with the severe financial problems his country faced. Even worse, his wife had adopted an extravagant lifestyle that was greatly criticized by the French people. Under Marie’s influence, the two became dangerously indifferent to the plight of the people, many of whom were struggling to feed their families from day to day. In what has become a legendary episode, Marie reportedly responded to news that the French people had no bread to eat by declaring, “Let them eat cake.” The king and queen of France paid for their arrogance and indifference to the poor people in their country with their lives.

It was this same attitude that God condemned through the prophet Amos: “Listen to me, you “fat cows” of Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy . . .” (Amos 4:1). God’s heart has always been for the downtrodden, the oppressed, the poor, and the needy. Consider what God told his people: “There will always be some among you who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share your resources freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need” (Deuteronomy 15:11).

If we love Jesus, we need to obey God’s commands to share what we have and help those less fortunate than we are. What can you do today to reach out to those who need your help?

Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. But a curse will come upon those who close their eyes to poverty (Proverbs 28:27).

To Do

Collect some canned food and other items from your family and neighbors. Take several bags of food to the nearest food bank.

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Bike to Work Day.

1866—Charles Elmer Hires invented root beer.

1965—Spaghetti-O’s went on sale.

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 True Confession Day.

When some people think about “true confessions,” they think of the outrageous headlines of the supermarket tabloids: “I was a Teen-age werewolf,” or “I weighed 500 pounds and never left my house” or “I was raised in the forest by a pack of wild dogs.”

For a Christian, “True Confession Day” is every day. When we confess our sins, we are in essence telling Jesus that we know what we’ve done is wrong and that we are willing to turn from it. We are recognizing that we have this problem called sin and that we need Jesus’ help in overcoming it. Through confession we are making sure that we don’t try to hide our wrongdoings from God.

And confession is not just for “sensational” sins. It includes the most basic of wrongs we’ve done (“I called my brother stupid”). True confession for a follower of Jesus is all about reconnecting with God, because we understand that our sin separates us from him. We not only admit our past sins, but we commit ourselves to try not to sin again in the future.

So what happens as a result of confession? That’s the wonderful part. When we confess our sins, the Bible tells us that God “is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” We are restored into fellowship with him again. It means we don’t have to confess the same sin over and over again. It also means that we don’t need to be perfect before God in order for him to accept us. He knows we can’t do that. It isn’t humanly possible. That’s why he sent his Son to die on the cross for us.

True confession brings true forgiveness and restores true fellowship with God.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong (1 John 1:9).

To Do

Take a few minutes to think about what you need to confess right now before God. Don’t worry—he’s listening and wants to forgive you!

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Hug Your Cat Day (if he or she will let you!)

1602—Cape Cod (MA) was discovered by Bartholomew Gosnold.

1940—Nylon stockings hit the market 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). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

Today is Astronomy Day.

Across the country, people who have never looked through a telescope are getting their chance today to gaze at the heavens. The day was first proclaimed in 1973 by Doug Berger, president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, with the idea of sharing the joy of astronomy with everyone. Berger’s idea was to take “astronomy to the people” and set up telescopes where the people were—shopping malls, street corners in the city, parks, and other public places.

It was an instant success. The public was hooked on stargazing. Once people got a glimpse of the stars through the portable telescopes, they wanted more. So when the local observatories held open houses, hundreds flocked to see more through larger and more sophisticated telescopes.

Throughout the centuries, humankind has been fascinated by the stars and the planets. From the time that God promised Abraham that he would have as many descendants as stars in the sky, we have fixed our eyes on the skies. Ancient stargazers thought they could foretell the future by looking into the skies, much like today’s astrologers. But God warned his people back in Bible times (and us) not to be “seduced by [the stars] and worship them. The Lord your God designated these heavenly bodies for all the peoples of the earth.”

Rather, when we gaze into the night sky, we should remember the One who named and placed each star there. Such heavenly contemplation should instill in us wonder at God’s awesome handiwork and his regard for us. Upon such reflection, the psalm-writer concluded: “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you have set in place—what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us? (Psalm 8:3, 4).

He counts the stars and calls them all by name (Psalm 147:4).

To Do

Find a telescope so you can do a little stargazing tonight.

Also on this day . . .

1607—Jamestown was established by English settlers, led by Capt. John Smith.

1804—Lewis and Clark left St. Louis for their trek to the Pacific Coast.

1973—The United States launched Skylab 1, its first manned space station.

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 1940 Winston Churchill said, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.”

These were Winston Churchill’s memorable words to his fellow countrymen as he took power as Great Britain’s new prime minister. It probably was one of the darkest moments in Great Britain’s long history. With the threat of war with Germany at their doorstep, Churchill promised to give his all—his blood, toil, tears, and sweat—in fighting their enemy.

Churchill vowed that his new policy in fighting Adolph Hitler would consist of nothing less than “to wage war, by sea, land, and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime.”

Churchill recognized that his country was facing a foe that would require all the resources that the people of Great Britain had. Anything less would mean certain defeat for their country. Within weeks of this speech, Churchill placed all “people, their services, and their property” into the hands of the government to use the war effort.

While we do not use the same weapons or methods in fighting our foe, the Devil, we certainly need to have the same attitude as Churchill. We are in an all-out daily struggle against Satan that will continue until Jesus returns. But we are not without resources to fight that battle.

At our disposal we have “God’s mighty weapons, not merely man’s weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3, 4). And what are those weapons? Prayer, faith, hope, love, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit. By using all these powerful resources that God graciously gives to us, we will be able to defeat Satan and break down the walls he builds up to keep people from God.

We are human, but we don’t wage war with human plans and methods. We use God’s mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3, 4).

To Do

Think of what might be “the devil’s strongholds” in your life. Then pray specifically for God’s help in those areas.

Also on this day . . .

Today is Jumping Frog Jubilee in Angels Camp, California.

Today is also National Apple Pie Day.

1637—Cardinal Richelieu of France created the table knife.

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.

Florence Nightingale was born this day in 1820.

Florence Nightingale was the daughter of a well-to-do family in England. Her family wanted Florence to live the life of a society girl—giving big parties, going to tea, and other activities fitting a wealthy lifestyle. But early on, Florence was determined to do something worthwhile with her life—despite her parents’ objections.

At age 16, she was certain that God was calling her to serve others. So she secretly began to collect books about nursing. She visited hospitals in London and in the surrounding area to learn more. Her parents tried to discourage Florence, but she was determined. Finally, they agreed to send Florence to a hospital in Germany to study nursing. That way, they thought, they could avoid having their daughter “embarrass” the family.

After graduation, Florence returned to London to work at a hospital. But it was during the Crimean War that Florence made her mark. She went to the battlefield with 38 other nurses and began setting up a hospital for the wounded soldiers. Each night she would walk the hallways of the hospital with a lamp, and so she became known as “the lady with a lamp.”

Florence Nightingale’s life was a light for others. She helped save thousands of lives by establishing cleanliness standards for health workers and training other nurses. She established the model for military hospitals and for modern nursing. Despite the many obstacles she encountered Florence devoted her entire life to serving and helping others.

That’s exactly what Jesus wants us to do as well. We are called to help each other and share each other’s problems. When we see someone who needs help, our first thought should be, “What can I do?” When a friend calls and says, “I’ve got a problem,” we are called to listen and offer encouragement. And when we are faithful in obeying this command, we shine Jesus’ light and love with all we meet.

Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

To Do

Do you know someone who needs help? Think of what you can do to reach out to that person with Jesus’ love.

Also this day . . .

Today is National Limerick Day. Recite a favorite limerick to your friend!

Today also is International Migratory Bird 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.

The popular composer Irving Berlin was born on this day in 1888.

Irving Berlin was born Israel Isadore Baline in Russia. During his lifetime, this popular composer wrote such memorable tunes as “White Christmas,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “God Bless America,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” But did you know that Berlin, who wrote the lyrics and music to about 1,500 songs, never had any formal musical training or education?

A self-taught piano player, Berlin played by ear and only knew one key—F-sharp. Later he had a special piano made for him on which he could shift into different keys simply by turning a gear on the piano. During his long career, Berlin never learned to read music or write music; instead he relied on a musical secretary to transcribe the songs he wrote.

Berlin had an extraordinary gift of music. Despite having never learned formal composition or music theory, Berlin was able to delight his many fans with wonderful songs that remain popular today.

Do you know who else Berlin delighted by using the gifts and talents given to him? God. It’s true. God is delighted when we use the different talents and abilities that he has given to us. Just as he gave Berlin the gift of music, he may have given you the gift of being a good soccer player. Or maybe you are good at math, or you can play the trumpet like no one else can. There are as many combinations of talents and abilities as there are people in the world. And each one brings pleasure to God when it is being used.

So what gifts and talents do you have? What can you do to use your gifts and abilities in a way that will please God?

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives (Psalm 37:23).

To Do

If you’re not sure what your particular talents and abilities are, think about what you like to do and what you do well. Ask those who know you well what they think are your talents.

Also on this day . . .

Today is Eat-What-You-Want Day.

1812—The waltz was introduced into English ballrooms.

1858—Minnesota was admitted as the 32^nd state.

1947—The first tubeless tire was manufactured by B.F. Goodrich.

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 Clean Up Your Room Day.

Today is every parent’s dream—a day devoted to cleaning up your room! So on a scale of 1 to 10—with 1 being neat as a pin and 10 being clutter beyond control, how would you rate your room right now? Here are some questions to help you determine the state of your room:

• Is it impossible to see the floor?
• Are the clothes you wore from last week still in the same place where you had dropped them?
• Are there CDs (not in cases) in sight?
• Are the dust bunnies taking over underneath your bed?
• Do you have to move things in order to walk from one side of the room to the other?

If you have answered yes to four or more questions, put this book down right now and clean your room! No, wait until you finish reading.

You’ve probably heard the expression “cleanliness is next to godliness,” and while that sounds like it came right out of the Bible, it didn’t. But the Bible does tell us that God likes order. Look around the world he created. Everything has its proper place and function. God wants his people to be that way, too. In today’s verse, Paul is speaking about worship and God’s desire that it be done in a certain orderly way. Where there is order, there is God’s peace. But when there is disorder and chaos, God cannot work.

The same principle applies to us. When you are disorganized, when you can’t find anything because of all the clutter in your room, you will not be able to get things done. Cleaning your room is just one way to bring the order that God desires into your life. And it for sure will lead to a more peaceful family.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the other churches (1 Corinthians 14:33).

To do

So your room’s completely clean? If not, grab a garbage bag and a dust cloth and get to work!

Also on this day . . .

1773—The English Parliament passed the Tea Act, which taxed all tea in the U.S. colonies.

1872—Victoria Woodhull became the first woman nominated for U.S. president.

1908—The first Mother’s Day observance took place during a church service in Grafton, West Virginia.

1960—The U.S.S. Triton submarine completed the first undersea trip around the world.

1994—Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president.

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 1929, Americans Richard Boyd and Floyd Bennett became the first to fly over the North Pole.

It only takes one person to forge a trail, explore a new area, or try something new for the first time. Then others will follow.

This was certainly true when Richard Evelyn Byrd and his co-pilot Floyd Bennett became the first people to fly over the North Pole. A member of the U.S. Navy, Byrd learned to fly during World War I. He subsequently became a flying instructor for the U.S. Navy and was interested in experimenting with new ways of flying over water out of sight of land—a definite necessity in flying over the pole. Using equipment and techniques that he developed, Byrd and Bennett successfully navigated the North Pole flyover on this day in 1929.

What was most significant about Byrd’s successful flight, however, is what happened afterward. Upon Byrd’s return to New York, he was asked what his next plans would be. His response? To fly over the South Pole! It was this answer that spurred 11 different expeditions of Americans to explore the South Pole.

When it comes to firsts and leading the way, there is only one First—Jesus. He was God’s firstborn from the very beginning (Hebrews 1:6). He was the first in the royal line, the king of all kings (Psalm 89:27). Jesus is the first to rise from the dead and ascend into heaven to show us the way (Revelation 1:5). He is the very first “in the line of humanity” so that we can see from Jesus’ example how we should live and how we should act.

So it makes sense that we should follow the First and go where Jesus goes. And if you are the first of your family or your friends at school to follow Jesus, be like Byrd and encourage others to follow your lead.

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him (Romans 8:29, The Message).

To Do

With the help of a parent, record a list of “firsts” in your life. Which “first” did others in your family follow? Which of the “firsts” in your parents’ lives have you followed?

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Butterscotch Brownie Day.

1899—The lawn mower was patented.

2002—In Bahrain, people were allowed to vote for representatives for the first time in nearly 30 years. Women were allowed to vote for the first time in the country’s history.

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 1886, the first Coca Cola® was sold.

The very first Coca Cola® was sold this day at the soda fountain in Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta. Dr. John Pemberton, a pharmacist and Civil War veteran, concocted a fragrant, caramel-colored liquid in a brass kettle in his backyard. Intrigued, he took the liquid down the street to Jacob’s Pharmacy. There the mixture was combined with carbonated water and sampled by several customers. All who tasted it agreed that this new drink was something special. Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, named the mixture Coca-Cola and wrote out the name in his distinct flowing script—which has become the world’s most recognizable logo.

Over the years, the company has employed numerous slogans in advertising to communicate in a simple, direct way what the brand is all about. The most repeated theme in the 100-plus years of advertising Coke is reflected in the popular campaign of 1969: “It’s the Real Thing.” The idea has been reflected in slogans from “Coke Is It!” (1982), “America’s Real Choice” (1985), “You Can’t Beat the Real Thing,” (1990), and the newest slogan, “Coca-Cola . . . Real” (2003). People are drawn to products that are genuine, authentic, and true.

The same can be said about Jesus. He is the real thing, the real choice. He is it, genuine, authentic, true. Consider what John wrote about him: “This Jesus is both True God and Real Life” (1 John 5:20, The Message). Jesus said about himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life” and he called himself “the true vine” without whom we can do nothing.

So don’t be fooled by the claims of this world that there is a better way or that you don’t need Jesus in your life. Jesus is the real thing. Make Jesus your real choice.

And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life (1 John 5:20).

To Do

Come up with your own slogan that reflects what Jesus means to you.

Also on this day . . .

Today is No Socks Day!

1794—The U.S. Post Office was established.

1945—Germany officially surrendered, ending World War II.

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 Teacher Day.

What difference can a teacher make in someone’s life? Well, according to a study undertaken by John Hopkins University researchers, all the difference in the world. Several years ago, graduate students at the university interviewed 200 young men, ages 12 to 16. The assignment was to predict the young men’s future.

The students went into the inner city of Baltimore to find the boys. Based on their research, they concluded that 90 percent of those boys interviewed would spend time in jail. Some 25 years later, the researchers were sent back to the inner city to discover how close their predictions were. They found 180 of the original 200 young men. And what they discovered amazed them: only four had ever been to jail. When asked what changed their life, the researchers began to get the same answer, “Well there was this teacher . . .”

So the researchers tracked down the teacher, now living in a retirement home, and asked about her remarkable influence over these young men. She really could not think of any reason why she would have this kind of influence, except that “I truly loved my students.”

What is the difference between a good teacher and great teacher? One word: Love!

Among the many titles given to Jesus is Teacher. He is our rabboni, meaning “my lord, my master,” the most elevated title given to a teacher. And as our lord, Jesus instructs us out of his great love for us and the example that he has given to us: “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” (John 13:34).

Knowing Jesus and learning from him can make all the difference in your life.

Late one night he visited Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we all know you’re a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren’t in on it” (John 3:2, The Message).

To Do

Write a note to your favorite teacher today. Share with that teacher how he or she has made a difference in your life.

Also on this day . . .

1789—The first Presidential Inaugural Ball was held in New York City.

1840—Russian composer Tchaikovsky was born.

1934—The world’s largest pearl (6.4 kg.) was discovered in the Philippines.

1975—President Ford declared an end to the Vietnam War.

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.