In 1896 the first modern Olympic games opened in Athens, Greece.

The Olympic games are a dazzling display of athletic ability, sportsmanship, and international goodwill. Every two years, alternating summer and winter games, millions of people around the world watch their national heroes “go for the gold.” Observers are thrilled as the winning athletes receive the medals, accompanied by their national anthem.

Frequently the broadcasts of the games are interrupted by “up close and personal” stories of individual competitors. We learn about each athlete’s hometown, family, workout schedule, and path to the Olympics. The stories are inspiring, especially when we see the tremendous dedication and hard work, the countless hours of working out invested in an Olympic goal. For some of the young people, a sport has become life!

Very few people get to be in the Olympics. But almost anyone can exercise and work out. And we don’t have to compete for medals or awards to benefit from sports and activity. Regular exercise helps us keep our weight under control, build strength and endurance, and live longer and better. Hopefully, many who sit and watch the Olympics will be inspired to get up and work out.

In today’s verse, the apostle Paul agrees that physical exercise is good. But even more important, he points out, is spiritual exercise. People work out spiritually by regularly spending time studying the Bible, praying, learning from godly teachers, worshipping, and sharing their faith. That’s like stretching, doing sit-ups and push-ups, lifting weights, swimming, biking, and running a few miles. But the rewards are worth more than even the Olympics.

What’s your workout schedule? Go for the gold!

Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next (1 Timothy 4:8).

To Do

Put together a daily physical and spiritual workout schedule. For example, you could start each day by doing 10 sit-ups and then reading a chapter of the Bible. As you gain strength, increase what you do in both areas.

Also on this day . . .

This is the first day of National Library Week.

1906—The first animated cartoon was copyrighted.

1924—Four planes left Seattle on the first successful flight around the world.

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 an estimated 5,000 radio stations around the world simultaneously played the song, “We Are the World.”

In the mid-1980s, people became very aware of the problem of hunger in the Africa, with powerful pictures of starving children broadcast on TV. So a group of musicians, led by Harry Belafonte, Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones formed Band Aid to raise money to feed those who were starving. Eventually more than 44 musicians joined to record “We Are the World.” The recording quickly rose to number one, and in a tremendous show of unity, stations around the world played the song at the same time.

Wouldn’t it be great if Christians were known for that kind of unity, with people from many different backgrounds, shapes, sizes, and languages joining together as one? That’s what Jesus wants us to do.

In today’s passage, Jesus is praying for his disciples, right near the end of his time on earth. As you read the verse, listen to the feeling in Jesus’ voice. He knows he will be leaving soon, to experience the pain of the cross. Yet he prays for those men who have remained close to him.

But check out the previous verse. Jesus said, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony” (John 17:20). Wow! That means Jesus was praying for us—for me and for you.

And his prayer is that we would be “as one.” The unity of Jesus’ followers would help the world believe that he really was sent from God and died for sins.

Do people at your school and in your neighborhood see unity among you and your fellow believers? What do you suppose they think about Jesus because of you and your relationships?

That’s something to think about.

“My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:21).

To Do

Do you know another Christian at your school, someone who goes to a different church? Ask him or her a few questions like these: What do you like about your church? What’s your favorite Bible verse? How can I pray for you?

Also on this day . . .

1614—American Indian Pocahontas married English colonist John Rolfe in Virginia.

1621—The Mayflower sailed from Plymouth, MA, on a return trip to England.

1965—Lava Lamp Day was celebrated.

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 Reading a Roadmap Day.

OK, you’re on a trip with your family and sitting in the backseat of the car. Overhearing the conversation between your mom and dad, you sense that you may be lost—their frustration level is rising. Soon you see your mother pull out a map, point to it, and say something like, “I guess we should have turned there!”

Whenever we travel, it’s good to have directions. Otherwise we’ll go the wrong way and be lost. Even if we think we know the right way and are very sincere about it, we should probably check a map to make sure. We could be sincerely wrong!

Life is like that. People travel along, heading in a certain direction. Kids go to school, go to college, get jobs, get married, have children . . . they make a lot of decisions and turns. Wouldn’t it be great to have a guidebook or map to show us the right way to travel through life?

We have one. It doesn’t look like a map, but it’s a guidebook all right. And you probably have one in your room.

It’s the Bible—God’s Word.

Look at what the verse for today promises. It says that Scripture teaches us what is true and right. In other words, the Bible puts us on the right road in life and keeps us there.

That’s why reading and studying the Bible is so important. When we read a passage and then ask, “What’s the point here? What does God want me to know and to do?” we will find our directions.

Don’t get lost. Check God’s map.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16).

To Do

If you haven’t already started a regular Bible reading program, it’s not too late to start.

Also on this day . . .

1828—The process for making cocoa powder was patented.

1968—Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

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 1953 the first issue of TV Guide was published.

About how much time do you spend watching television each day? Most Americans spend a bunch. And when you aren’t sure what’s on, do you channel surf with the remote, or do you check out a schedule?

Many people arrange their lives around the TV schedule. In fact, TV Guide is one of the nation’s most-read magazines, with a circulation of about 9 million.

Television has become a huge part of our lives. And, according to people who study these things, it has changed us in two very significant areas.

First, many of us have become “couch potatoes.” We sit or lie around and watch, instead of being active, moving around, going outside, and playing sports. As you might expect, this has led to more and more people being overweight and out of shape. We’re idle.

The other big change involves our expectations, what we want out of life. The products we see advertised on TV look so good. And the TV stars are beautiful and talented and seem extremely happy. So these days, everyone seems to want to be a celebrity. All the “reality” shows add to this, giving certain individuals a few hours on prime time. “American Idol” promises fame and fortune to each winner.

We can feel plain and ordinary when we compare ourselves to television personalities. We may even think, “What can I do? I don’t have those looks and abilities. I’m a nobody, not a star.”

When that feeling hits, review today’s featured verse. Paul wrote that God uses ordinary people. In fact, most of the early believers were not wise, powerful, or wealthy in the world’s eyes. Yet, to God they were important, and they changed the world!

So forget those American idols and listen to God. Only his opinion of you matters.

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you (1 Corinthians 1:26).

To Do

Take a vacation from TV. For one day, a couple of days, or if you’re really courageous, a week watch no television. Ask your parents to help you stick to this decision.

Also on this day . . .

This is National Find-A-Rainbow Day.

1860—The Pony Express began delivering mail.

1868—An Hawaiian surfed on the highest wave ever, a 50-foot tidal wave.

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 1792 the U.S. Mint began operations.

Hey, do you know what a mint is? Not the hard candy that you eat after dinner, but “mint” as in the U.S. Mint. Here’s a hint. If you work there, you’re not allowed to take home samples.

Actually, a mint is where money is made. That’s where the expression “worth a mint” comes from. At one time or another, everyone would like to be able to make his or her own money. But that would be against the law. Only the government can produce coins and bills.

But what if you could have your own mint? Imagine you had tons of money. Do you think your life would change?

Most would answer, “You bet!” And then they tell of all the stuff they’d buy and things they’d do—clothes, CDs, electronic gear, sports equipment, fabulous vacation trips, and a few gifts for friends. Sounds great, right?

Well, this is another area where it’s easy to be fooled. Money looks good, but it can cause a bunch of trouble.

That’s what Paul was telling young Timothy in today’s verse. The “love of money” can lead to greed, theft, broken relationships, anger, hatred, cheating, and even murder. And worst of all, money can become an idol, taking the place of God in a person’s life.

Money itself isn’t bad. In fact, God gives us money and other resources to use for him. But loving it and craving it is terrible.

Stick to the candy mint!

For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

To Do

Look at today’s paper and find all the news articles about problems caused by money. Just about every section, even the sports section, will have something.

Also on this day . . .

1805—Famous author Hans Christian Anderson was born.

1845—The first clear photograph of the sun was taken.

1877—The first Easter “egg roll” on the grounds of the White House was held.

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 April Fools Day.

Have you ever tried to fool someone on this day? Saying it’s Christmas probably won’t work too well. Have you ever been fooled?

Sometimes on this day we play tricks, like setting an alarm early, telling a friend to go to the principal’s office, or putting a fake spider on your mother’s plate. Those are harmless pranks, and usually everyone gets a good laugh.

But there’s another kind of deception that’s a lot more serious. And it happens more than just one day a year.

When the apostle John wrote 1 John, he warned Christians about people he called “false prophets.” These people were trying to fool people into believing lies about Jesus and God’s plan of salvation. Unfortunately, some were falling for it and being led the wrong way. So John said to “test” everyone who claims to be teaching truth about God. The test? See if they believe that Jesus, God himself, actually lived as a man, a real human being (see 1 John 4:2).

Today we have false teachers, too. Sometimes you’ll hear them on TV or radio, claiming to have special inside knowledge about how to get close to God. Or you might hear about a best-selling book that promises meaning in life, happiness, and salvation. What they say may sound good, and even true, but it’s false.

Don’t be fooled. Before listening to anything someone says about God, Jesus, and how to know God personally, find out if the person believes that Jesus is God and human. And check what they say with what the Bible teaches. It should match. That’s the test.

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world (1 John 4:1).

To Do

Ask a parent or another respected Christian how he or she came to faith in Christ.

Also on this day . . .

1748—The ruins of Pompeii (town in Italy that had been destroyed by a volcano) were found.

1778—Oliver Pollack designed the symbol for the dollar ($).

1929—The yo-yo was introduced by Louie Marx.

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 1889 the Eiffel Tower opened.

The Eiffel Tower, an immense structure of exposed latticework made of iron, was built for the Paris Exposition of 1889. At the time, it was the world’s tallest structure—at 984 feet, a soaring celebration of the science and technology achievements of the age.

The Tower was not without its critics. One group of French artists called the Eiffel Tower “useless and monstrous”—an affront to French taste and the arts. At one time, it was almost torn down, saved only because of its antenna, which was used for telegraphy. Today, it is completely accepted by French citizens and is internationally recognized as one of the symbols of Paris itself.

Of course, the Eiffel Tower was not the first time humans had built a structure to honor their own achievements. That distinction goes to the Tower of Babel (see Genesis 11). After the Flood and the world had been repopulated, the people of the world decided that they would erect a tower in honor of—themselves! It most likely was a ziggurat (a pyramid-looking structure with steps). Often they would be as tall as 300 feet and just as wide.

The Tower of Babel was undoubtedly an incredible sight to see. But the people built it for all the wrong reasons—for their honor and glory, not God’s. We can do the same thing when we “build monuments” by using trophies, awards, report cards, clothes, or possessions to call attention to our achievements and ourselves. It’s OK to be good at sports or at school, or to be honored for your achievements. But when those items or honors take God’s place in your life, you may be building a monument that will never last.

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. (Proverbs 18:12, New International Version).

To Do

Take an inventory of your room or your locker at school. What “monuments” do you have to your achievements? What can you do to make those “monuments” a tribute to God?

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Bunsen Burner Day.

1870—In Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Thomas P. Munday became the first African-American to vote.

1918—Daylight Savings time went into effect for the first time.

1923—In New York City, the first dance marathon was held. Alma Cummings set a new world record of 27 hours.

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 I Am in Control Day.

Who is in control at your house? At school? We all know people who are in control. They are the ones who make the decisions, come up with the plans, and get stuff done. Maybe that describes you!

In certain situations, it’s good to know that somebody is in control—like when you are flying in an airplane or going to the dentist. You certainly want to know that a trained and experienced pilot controls the plane, or that a professional dentist is about to fill in your cavity.

We all like to feel as though we have control. We like to feel free to make our own decisions and choices. But we can quickly get into trouble when we believe that “I am in control.” Take for example, King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1-4). He was king of the greatest empire of the world at that time. Everyone had to obey his every command. Nebuchadnezzar answered to no one, or at least he thought so.

One day as he was congratulating himself on all his great accomplishments, God said, “You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. . . . You will live in the fields of the wild animals, and will eat grass like a cow.” And King Nebuchadnezzar did just that for seven long years. You see, the king had forgotten an important fact. Although he knew about the God of Israel, Nebuchadnezzar didn’t really think that God was in charge. Only after living like a cow for seven years did the king come to his senses and recognize that God was truly in control.

So rather than celebrate “I Am in Control Day,” take time to acknowledge and thank the One who really is in charge of everything!

All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He has the power to do as he pleases among the angels of heaven and with those who live on earth (Daniel 4:35).

To Do

Read King Nebuchadnezzar’s praise song to God in Daniel 4:34, 35. Think about all the ways God is in control right now.

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Hot Dog Day. Enjoy one of your favorite weenies!

1867—U.S. bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.

1932—Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic.

1964—”Jeopardy” debuted on NBC-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.

On this day in 1848, an ice jam stopped the flow of water over Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls is the second largest waterfall in the world. Water from Lakes Michigan, Erie, Superior, and Huron empty into the Niagara River and then fall over a spectacular drop the same height as a 20-story building.

Nearly 12 million visitors make the trek to view the majestic beauty of the falls. But imagine going to Niagara Falls and not seeing a drop of water trickle over. Even in the coldest of winters, the tremendous volume of water never stops flowing.

One time, however, the flow of water over the falls completely stopped for several hours because of an ice jam in the upper river. The Falls didn’t freeze over, but the flow of water stopped so that people were able to walk out and recover lost items from the riverbed.

The ice jam halting the flow of water over Niagara Falls is a good word picture for what happens when we allow sin to go unconfessed in our lives. Just like the ice jam upstream completely cut off the flow of water from the falls, our sin completely cuts us off from God. If we continually ignore our wrong thoughts, attitudes, and actions, we will find ourselves separated from God. His love, grace, and forgiveness cannot flow through us because our sin is acting liking an ice jam. Remember, God is completely holy. He cannot ignore, excuse, or tolerate our sin in any form.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that our sin does not prevent God from loving us. The Bible tells us that when we confess our sins to God and turn from them, he is always willing to forgive us. Just as the flow of water rushed over Niagara Falls after the ice jam was removed, so a deluge of God’s forgiveness washes and removes our sins and our guilt.

But there is a problem—your sins have cut you off from God. Because of your sin, he has turned away and will not listen anymore (Isaiah 59:2).

To Do

Find some pictures of Niagara Falls on the Internet. Let them remind you of God’s overflowing love for you as you confess your sins.

Also on this day . . .

1790—John Tyler, the 10^th president of the United States, was born in Virginia

1886—Coca-Cola was invented.

1974—Mariner 10 became the first spacecraft to reach the planet Mercury. It had been launched on November 3, 1973.

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 1797 Nathaniel Briggs patented the washing machine.

The next time you throw your laundry in the hamper, be thankful you don’t have to go down to the nearest river or stream to wash your clothes by hand! Before the washing machine, people got dirt out of their clothes by pounding them on rocks and rinsing them in streams. Of course, that’s better than what sailors did. They used to throw their clothes in a bag over the side of the ship and trail the bag behind them with the hopes that the rushing water would remove the dirt.

In 1797, Nathaniel Briggs came up with an invention that he believed would revolutionize this backbreaking chore for women—the predecessor of today’s automatic washing machine, the washboard. While it was one step removed from lugging the clothes down to the river, this invention still required a lot of work on the part of the cleaner. Still it was a beginning.

Today we enjoy the convenience of throwing our dirty laundry into the washing machine, adding a cupful of detergent, turning on the machine, and walking away. About 30 minutes later—clean clothes!

Now we all know it’s important to keep our outer selves clean and wear clean clothes every day. But it’s also important to keep our inner selves clean. You don’t need a washing machine to do that. You don’t even need to find the nearest stream and pound out the dirt. All you need to do is go before God, confess your “dirty laundry,” and God will wash away your sins.

David knew that clean feeling that comes when we confess our sins before God and we are confident that he forgives us. Read Psalm 51, and rejoice with David that we have a God who is able to clean us daily—without scrubbing!

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7).

To Do

What do you need to confess to God today? Give him your “dirty laundry” and let him wash you clean.

Also on this day . . .

1885—The Salvation Army was officially organized.

1979—A major accident occurred at Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. A nuclear power reactor overheated and suffered a partial meltdown

1983—Sally Ride became the first woman 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.