On this day in 1859 the French acrobat Charles Blondin walked across Niagara Falls on a tightrope.

Blondin’s walk across Niagara Falls was dramatic. On that day, 100,000 people watched him walk on a single three-inch hemp cord, 1,100 feet long and 160 feet above the Falls on one side and 270 feet on the other.

Every day, thousands would gather to see him perform this amazing feat, suspended above the roaring waterfall below. One day Blondin asked the crowd if they thought he could carry a person with him on his tightrope walk. The crowd roared, “Yes,” hoping to see an even more amazing event.

He said it again: “Do you really believe I can do it?”

“Yes,” they shouted back.

“Then who will come with me? Which of you will volunteer?” he asked. And the crowd became silent—no one stepped forward.

Finally his manager, Harry Colcord agreed. So Colcord climbed on Blondin’s back, and the two of them walked slowly across.

This true story has been used as example of “faith” ever since.

You see, just saying we believe in someone or some thing is easy. Talk is cheap. But our actions show whether or not we really believe. Hundreds of people said the believed Blondin could carry someone with him across the Falls. But only one person truly believed.

In the same way, many people say they believe in God and even in Jesus as Savior. (You’ll hear that a lot in an election year.) But they don’t want to live the way the Bible says to live; they don’t want to obey God. Our verse for today says that kind of “faith” isn’t faith at all.

So if you profess to be a believer in God and a follower of Christ, are you really? If so, can people tell by how you live?

So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless. (James 2:17)

To Do

Make a short list of actions you should take or changes you should make in how you live to better demonstrate your faith in Christ. Ask God to help you do these actions and make these changes.

Also on this day . . .

This is Ice Cream Soda Day

1953—The first Chevrolet Corvette rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan. It sold for $3,250 (a lot of money back then).

1971—The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the voting age to 18, was ratified.

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).

In 1953 the Federal Highway Act authorized the construction of 422,500 miles of freeways from coast to coast.

Having national freeways was a great idea. And now the entire country is linked through the interstate system. If you’ve traveled much with your family, you’ve probably driven over many of those highways—four lanes or more, cutting through pastures and forests, over mountains and rivers, and around cities, from coast to coast.

Of course, you’ve also probably seen that some of those “freeways” are now tollways and that, in many areas, they’re packed with vehicles. (These days, travelers often look for the old, back roads to avoid the freeways.)

The name “freeway” combines “free” and “highway.” The idea was to provide quick and easy routes for cars and trucks.

Our Bible passage for today highlights another “freeway,” the free, highway to heaven. And it’s a route that’s open to anyone who believes in Christ.

Notice the words “special favor” and “gift.” They show that salvation (being forgiven for our sins and headed for heaven) is free as far as we’re concerned. Did it cost anything? Certainly—this freeway cost Jesus his life on the Cross, where he died in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins. But we don’t have to earn God’s favor. He freely gives us eternal life. That’s called “grace” and it’s amazing!

Some people think they have to work hard to gain forgiveness of sins and salvation—sort of like paying the tolls to be able to use the road. But we could never be good enough to fit into heaven—we’d have to be perfect. The Bible tells us that, “all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23). But God also promises that, “the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

So get on God’s freeway . . . and spread the Good News!

God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

To Do

The next time you’re on a “freeway,” remember God’s freeway to heaven and thank him for his love and grace.

Also on this day . . .

This is Flower and Camera Day.

1897—The Chicago Cubs scored 36 runs in a game against Louisville, setting a record for runs scored by a team in a single game.

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).

In 1820 the tomato was proven to be nonpoisonous.

Tomatoes have become a regular item in our diets, especially in salads. We also eat them fried or baked or right off the vine. And ketchup is loaded with tomatoes, and then there’s spaghetti sauce and tomato juice and . . .

With all those tomato uses and products, it’s hard to believe that people used to think tomatoes were poisonous. Now we only hear how good they are for us.

Poisonous to nutritious, bad to good—that’s a big turnaround!

The Bible has stories like that. At one time, Paul hated Jesus and his followers. He definitely was not good. But God turned him around, and he became the great evangelist and writer of most of the New Testament. He wrote, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). The point? Even something that stays bad can be used for good by God.

That’s what happened to Joseph. He had a colorful coat and a mess of envious brothers. His brothers were so annoyed by Joseph that they sold him as a slave and then told their dad he had been killed by wild animals. Later, they meet Joseph in Egypt. But this time Joseph is in charge, as Pharaoh’s right-hand man. The big brothers fear what Joseph might do to them to get revenge. Instead, Joseph forgives them and points out that what they meant for evil, God turned into good.

The lessons? First, we shouldn’t be so quick to call someone bad or “poisonous”—he or she may turn out to be a wonderful person. Second, we should trust that God can take any circumstance, no matter how bad, and use it for good.

“As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people.”  (Genesis 50:20)

To Do

At your next family meal when tomatoes are included, explain to your family that tomatoes were thought to be poisonous at one time. Then share the truth of today’s lesson.

Also on this day . . .

This is World War I Day.

This is Paul Bunyan Day.

1919—The Treaty of Versailles was signed to end World War I.

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).

In 1880 Helen Keller was born.

Helen Keller was born as a normal baby. But in February of 1882, at nineteen months old, she became very sick. No one knew what was wrong, and, for a while, everyone expected her to die. When the fever went down, the family, and the doctor thought Helen would be fine. They soon learned, however, that the sickness had left their precious baby blind and deaf.

How terrible that must have been! Then Helen’s parents had to care for her, and that became almost impossible. She became a very difficult child, smashing dishes and lamps, screaming, and throwing temper tantrums. Relatives thought Helen should be put into an institution.

When Helen was six, her family had become desperate. After a visit to a specialist, they were told she would never see or hear again but were told not to give up hope. The doctor believed Helen could be taught, and he advised them to visit a local expert on the problems of deaf children. This expert was Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone.

Eventually, they were put in touch with Anne Sullivan, who, through a long and difficult process, taught Helen how to communicate. Read more of this amazing story on-line or watch the award-winning film, “The Miracle Worker.”

Helen Keller proves that every life is valuable, even those who we think have no possible use in society. How much hope, for example, could anyone have for a baby who couldn’t see or hear? Yet Helen Keller went on to write, teach, and inspire millions with her story.

So don’t give up on anyone. See each person as a valuable creation of God and treat him or her as such. And who knows, God may surprise you with what he will do with that life.

Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. (1 Corinthians 1:27)

To Do

Think of the physically challenged people you know: a kid with muscular dystrophy, a man with a hearing problem, a neighbor who can’t see very well, and so forth. Take time this week to have a good conversation with one of them.

Also on this day . . .

1829—Mildred J. Hill composed the “Happy Birthday to You” melody.

1955—The state of Illinois enacted the first automobile seat belt legislation.

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).

In 1819 W. K. Clarkson, Jr. patented the bicycle.

You’ve ridden a bike most of your life, starting with a tricycle. What kind do you ride now? A mountain bike? A many-speed racing bike? Whatever, you’d have to agree that W. K. Clarkson, Jr.’s marvelous invention sure beats walking everywhere.

What’s the most important part of a bike? We need just about every part to ride safely and comfortably—handlebars, seat, gears, brakes, etc.—but we could still get around without one of those. But imagine trying to ride without wheels—that would be impossible. And for the best ride, the wheels should be balanced, with the spokes tight and the tires inflated with the correct air pressure.

A bicycle wheel provides a good illustration for today’s lesson. Compare your life to a wheel, and you’ll get the idea. A good bicycle wheel needs a solid hub with strong spokes going out to the rim. For balance and strength, the spokes should be evenly spaced. The same is true with life. The hub must be solid, able to hold the wheel (life) together and keep it rolling. Our “hub” should be Christ—everything should center on him. Then the spokes represent various areas of life: physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual, and others. These should go out from the center and be balanced.

Today’s verse says Jesus grew in all areas of life, not just one or two. We should do the same. If all we think about is the physical area, we’ll be unbalanced and wobble along. The same is true with being all-social, and so forth. And if we are flat on one side, we’ll really have a bumpy ride through life.

Every time you see a bicycle, remember the hub and the spokes. Keep Christ at the center and develop all the areas.

Have a great ride!

So Jesus grew both in height and in wisdom, and he was loved by God and by all who knew him. (Luke 2:52)

To Do

Take a bike ride. As you ride, pray for needs as you see them. And think about what you need to do have a more balanced life.

Also on this day . . .

1959—The St. Lawrence Seaway was opened.

1981—In Mountain Home, Idaho, Virginia Campbell took the coupons and rebates she had collected and bought $26,460 worth of groceries. After all the discounts, she paid only 67 cents for everything.

1911—The Nieuport aircraft set an aircraft speed record of 83 mph (133 kph).

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).

In 1876 the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians wiped out Lt. Colonel George Custer and the 7^th Cavalry were at the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Lt. Colonel Custer was known as a prideful man. Some have written that in addition to being conceited, he also found it difficult to take anyone’s advice. His way was always best, so he thought. Thus, as he and his troops were pursuing the Indians, he advanced much more quickly than he had been ordered, and neared what he thought was a large Indian village on the morning. On the verge of what he thought would be a certain and glorious victory for both the United States and himself, Custer ordered an immediate attack on the village. Thinking that the Indians wouldn’t be much of a threat, he split his forces into three parts to ensure that fewer Indians would escape. The attack was one the greatest fiascos of the United States Army, as thousands of Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors forced Custer’s unit back onto a long, dusty ridge, surrounded them, and killed all 210 of them. He and his entire force died that day because of his pride.

Today’s verse says that “pride goes before destruction.” That’s true in all areas of life, not just war. For example, take the student who thinks he or she “knows it all” and doesn’t study for the big test; the athlete who thinks that he or she is better than anyone else and doesn’t work our; or the business owner who believes customers will keep coming to the store no matter how they are treated. You can imagine the failures, the “destructions,” that will come to each one.

How’s your pride these days? Romans 12:3 says “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment” (NIV). Having self-confidence is one thing. But thinking you know it all is quite another. We need to be humble, listening carefully to others’ suggestions and advice.

Don’t let pride trip you up.

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

To Do

Today, ask God to show you where you have been prideful. And do you best to listen carefully to others. You don’t have to take all their advice, but you can accept it with respect.

Also on this day . . .

This is Strawberry Parfait Day (do you know what a “parfait” is?).

1950—The Korean War begins.

1951—The first color TV transmissions were presented on CBS, even though the public did not own color TV’s at the 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).

This is National Forgiveness Day.

So this is National Forgiveness Day. What does that mean to you?

Forgiveness can mean telling someone who owes us money that they don’t have to pay—we “forgive” the debt. It may involve accepting someone’s apology for hurting us—we say, “I forgive you.” Forgiveness may even mean overlooking an insult or wrong by someone, even when that person doesn’t know what he or she has done or isn’t sorry.

Forgiving someone often is difficult because forgiveness always costs: money, in the case of the debt, revenge (so we can’t “get even”), and pride.

But Jesus tells us to forgive others (Matthew 6:14–15). And what an example Jesus gave us when on the Cross he prayed, “Father, forgive these people, because they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). And whenever we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to forgive us in the same what that we forgive others. Now that’s a scary thought!

So who owes you? Maybe a brother, sister, or friend has borrowed something and hasn’t returned it. Who has wronged you? Perhaps you felt put down by someone in your neighborhood or school or treated unfairly by a teacher or coach, or maybe even a parent. Forgiving those people, with no strings attached, will cost you, but it’s what Jesus wants. And there’s now better time than today and right now.

Forgive and forget.

“And forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” (Matthew 6:12)

To Do

Let’s turn the situation around. Who have you wronged? From whom do you need to ask forgiveness? Give a call to say you’re sorry. Drop a note. Do it today.

Also on this day . . .

This is Log Cabin Day.

1509—Henry VIII was crowned King of England.

1998—The Walt Disney World theme park in Orlando, Florida admitted its 600-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).

In 1860 the Secret Service was created.

Spy stories are exciting to read or watch. Sometimes the tension comes from worrying that the agent might be discovered. Sometimes we’re not sure who the agent is or who he or she is working for.

The main duty of the Secret Service is to protect the President, the Vice President, their families, and other dignitaries. In wartime, these agents aid in securing information concerning the enemy’s movements—thus the word “secret” in the title.

Being a spy can be dangerous. Secret Service agents have even thrown themselves between assailants and the President, taking the bullet instead of him.

The Bible has a story about 12 spies. Remember? If not, here’s a summary.

The Israelites had escaped Egypt and were moving toward the Promised Land. At the border, before taking the next huge step of fighting the enemy, Moses chose 12 men, one from each tribe, to sneak into the land and check it out. When these spies returned, two of them were excited about the prospects. Knowing that God was with them, they encouraged the nation to move ahead. But the rest of the group gave a different report. Thinking only of the huge enemy soldiers, they were afraid. Unfortunately, those 10 persuaded the people not to trust God and go where he told them. As a result, the Israelites wandered forty more years in the wilderness.

The two courageous spies, Joshua and Caleb, had it right. They trusted God and not in their strength. They were spies, all right, and heroes. In fact, later Joshua ended up being the number one Israelite.

You may not be a spy, but you probably have a good idea of some actions that God wants you to take. Remember Joshua and Caleb and take your promise land.

But Caleb tried to encourage the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” (Numbers 13:30).

To Do

Read the whole story of Joshua, Caleb, and the rest of the spies in Numbers 13.

Also on this day . . .

This is Take Your Dog to Work Day—woof!

1926—The first lip reading tournament in America was held in Philadelphia, PA.

2003—Apple Computer unveiled the new Power Mac desktop computer.

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).

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners . . . to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

When Jesus sat down in the synagogue of Nazareth and was handed the scroll to read, He unrolled it to this very passage, Isaiah 61, and read verse 1 and part of verse 2. Then He made the astounding pronouncement: “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). Jesus was making the point that He was the one to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy of restoration.

The prophecy at the end of the book of Isaiah focuses on the full restoration of God’s people that is still to be fulfilled in the future; yet Jesus says in no uncertain terms that “today” at least that portion of the prophecy was fulfilled. He is the anointed one with the Spirit who:
* preaches the good news
* binds up the brokenhearted
* proclaims freedom to captives
* releases prisoners from the darkness
* bestows a crown of beauty instead of ashes
* gives oil of gladness instead of mourning
* offers a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

You need good news? Go to Jesus.

You need binding for your broken heart? Go to Jesus.

You need freedom from captivating sin or addiction? Go to Jesus.

You need release from Satan’s darkness? Go to Jesus.

You want to trade in the ashes of wasted time or a burnt-out life for a crown of beauty? Go to Jesus.

You want to finally find joy instead of the sorrow and mourning that has dogged your days? Go to Jesus.

You want to get out from under the weight of despair over pain or hurt or hopelessness and put on a garment of praise? Go to Jesus.

You want to trade shame and disgrace for everlasting joy? Go to Jesus.

No one else can make such offers–and no one else can deliver. Only Jesus can say it. Only Jesus can do it.

Only Jesus.

On this day in 1970 United States President Richard Nixon signed the 26^th amendment, lowering the voting age to 18.

When Congress was debating about whether or not to lower the voting age, many people expressed fear that all the new young voters would change the elections. The reasoning was that young people could be easily influenced by the politicians and then would come out in droves and vote, even if they didn’t really understand the issues.

They didn’t have to worry. No group of Americans sends a high percentage to the polls. And the youngest voters, 18 to 21, consistently vote in lower numbers than any other group.

What a shame. Voting is such a privilege and honor. Just look at how people turn out for elections in nations that have just won freedom. Huge numbers of people vote. They know the value and importance of free elections.

The Bible tells us, in several places, to be good citizens and to respect those in authority over us. This includes obeying the laws, unless those laws would have us violate God’s laws.

You can’t vote right now, but you can still be involved in the process. When the next election rolls around, read up on the candidates and their positions. Encourage the voters in your family (mother, father, older brother or sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent) to get out and cast their votes.

Today’s verse encourages us to “accept” those in authority over us, “for the Lord’s sake.” This seems to indicate that God has allowed these men and women to be in their government positions for a purpose. So respecting them means much more than being a good citizen; it honors God. And that’s most important.

For the Lord’s sake, accept all authority—the king as head of state, and the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish all who do wrong and to honor those who do right. (1 Peter 2:13–14)

To Do

Put the President, your senators, your congressional representative, your mayor, and other government officials on your prayer list and pray for them every day.

Also on this day . . .

1847—Doughnuts were created—yum!

1909—The first transcontinental (all the way across America) auto race ended in Seattle, WA.

1998—The 75^th National Marbles Tournament began in Wildwood, New Jersey.

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).