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).

On this day in 1964, the movie Mary Poppins began showing in American theaters.

You’ve probably seen the movie Mary Poppins. If not, you should—it’s great fun. The story revolves around a new nanny who arrives to take care of a banker’s children. She helps the children magically explore the world around them, and at the same time she brings the family closer to each other.

In one memorable scene, Mary gets the children to do an unpleasant task by singing, “A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down.” Her point is that difficult jobs can be made easier when we approach them with a good attitude—the “spoonful of sugar.”

It’s true, right? Think about the difference an attitude makes. If you’re in a bad mood, everything is a pain. No matter what we’re asked to do we gripe, complain, whine, and mope. Then the job seems to be twice as difficult and take twice as long as it should.

In contrast, when we’re “up,” feeling good about life, Mom, Dad, coach, teacher, or even a sibling can ask us to do something, and we’ll get right on it—no problem! We have a good feeling of accomplishment when we’re finished.

And here’s the great part—we can choose our attitudes. Even in the worst circumstances, we can choose to look on the bright side, to have a positive spirit. That’s like adding our “spoonful of sugar” to the bad-tasting “medicine” in life.

So, are you positive? Make that choice.

Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had (Philippians 2:5).

To Do

For the next 24 hours, choose a positive attitude, no matter what happens or what you’re asked to do.

Also on this day . . .

1892—Pop (Billy) Shriver of the Chicago Cubs caught a ball that was dropped from the top of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.

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 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. and delivered this speech to more than 250,000. Dr. King had prepared a short talk and was about to sit down when gospel singer Mahalia Jackson called out, “Tell them about your dream, Martin! Tell them about the dream!” What followed was his amazing speech.

Dr. King spoke with passion and sincerity: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today! . . . I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together . . . . And this will be the day, this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning, ‘My country ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!’ And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.”

He ended with this stirring proclamation: “And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, ‘Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.’”

Because of Christ, we will be “free at last.” Thank God!

Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don’t need to hope for it (Romans 8:24).

To Do

Go on the Internet and search for this famous speech. You’ll find it under “I Have a Dream.” Then listen to or read the whole speech.

Also on this day . . .

1830—The Tom Thumb was demonstrated in Baltimore, Maryland. It was the first passenger train to be built in America.

1907—Two teenagers started the American Messenger Company, which later became United Parcel Service.

1972—Mark Spitz won the first of his seven gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.

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 1984, President Ronald Reagan announced that the first citizen to go into space would be a teacher.

Everyone says that teachers are important. We even have “National Teacher Day” (May 7). But when President Reagan announced that the first citizen in space would be a teacher, he was showing the nation that teachers really are special.

Eventually, Christa McAuliffe was chosen. Then, tragically, she died when the Challenger exploded on take-off on January 28, 1986.

Not all teachers are like Christa McAuliffe, who was willing to risk her life on an exploration adventure. But all teachers are involved in a daily adventure as they help students explore nature, history, language, government, faith, mathematics, relationships, art, and many other fields of study.

While teachers are important, they may not always feel special. Some teachers feel that they are not paid enough for the work they do. And their students can treat them very poorly. Teachers may feel overworked and taken for granted. They may feel pressure from both the school administration and from the parents of their students.

Teachers aren’t perfect, of course, and some teach better than others. But all teachers deserve respect and honor. We honor teachers by paying attention in class, by asking good questions, by having a positive attitude, and trying our best to learn, even when it’s hard.

Think where you’d be without teachers, and what you’ve learned in the past. And imagine all the great learning in your future—middle school, high school, college, and graduate school—and the talented teachers who’ll guide you.

Thank God for your teachers. Honor them . . . and, like Christa McAuliffe, reach for the stars.

“Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to those who gave me instruction?” (Proverbs 5:13).

To Do

Even though you may not be in school right now, make a list of your current teachers. Be sure to include your Sunday-school teacher, music teacher, coach, and others. This week, thank each one for doing a great job.

Also on this day . . .

1886—The island volcano of Krakatoa in Indonesia erupted. It was heard over 3,000 miles away and was one of the biggest natural disasters ever.

1908—Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36^th President of the United States, was born.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).

This is Women’s Equality Day.

Many years ago in the United States (and even today in many countries), women didn’t enjoy many of the rights that men had. They couldn’t own property, vote, or have certain jobs. They were almost treated like property. Some couples were sad when their new baby turned out to be a girl. That’s hard to believe, but it’s true.

That’s wrong, of course. Girls and women should have the same rights and opportunities as boys and men, including being paid the same amount for the same kind of work. Because of this, many people protested and worked hard to make the appropriate changes. And, eventually, laws and customs were changed.

Some people seem to think that equality means being the same. But that’s not true. Men and women are equally valuable, but they’re definitely different. The Bible makes this very clear. God created male and female—two distinctly different types of people. Both were special creations of God, made in his image, but they were different. We’re still different.

We can see the obvious physical differences between men and women. Women can have babies and men can’t. But through research scientists are finding even more fascinating differences between the genders; the way male and female brains work, for example. God built in differences that aren’t easy to see, but are important, and help men and women to complement each other. One sex is not better than the other.

So celebrate the differences and the way God made you. And, while you’re at it, respect the opposite sex—they’re special to God, too.

He created them male and female, and he blessed them and called them “human” (Genesis 5:2).

To Do

Take some time and analyze your mom and dad. Write down how they are the same and how they’re different. Be sure to note how they think and feel. Then consider how you are becoming like them. How do you feel about that?

Also on this day . . .

1498—Michelangelo was commissioned to sculpt the Pieta, his famous statue showing Mary holding Jesus’ body after the crucifixion.

1873—The school board of St. Louis, Missouri authorized the first public kindergarten in the United States.

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 Kiss-and-Make-up Day.

The expression, “kiss and make up,” usually means that two people who have been arguing have made peace with each other. The argument is over. They’re friends again.

As a dispute or conflict is resolved, the two people don’t actually have to kiss, although that often happens with a husband and wife. Often the two will shake hands, pat each other on the back, hug, or just say, “Hey, that’s OK.” The important thing is that they both mean it when they admit their wrongs and ask for forgiveness.

As you know, people can pretend to feel bad about something they’ve done or said. They may even state, “I’m sorry for doing that” when they really mean, “I’m sorry I got caught.” Some people are so phony that they can smile and be all friendly when inside they are very angry and upset. They may even say, “Don’t worry about it. It’s OK. Let’s get together,” but they’re really thinking, “I never want to see you again!”

Several times over the past few months we’ve discussed honesty. Today’s topic is another way to be honest—in our relationships. When we say something to someone, especially when we “kiss and make up,” we need to be sincere. Otherwise we shouldn’t say it. We shouldn’t pretend to be sorry when we’re not. Instead, we should work to resolve the conflict so we really can heal the relationship.

Today’s verse talks about “genuine affection.” Notice the emphasis on “genuine”—this means being a true friend, not a phony one.

True friends don’t always agree or get along—conflicts arise in any relationship. But true friends say what they mean and mean what they say to each other. They’re honest with each other, not phony.

So look for sincere people to be your friends. And be a genuine friend to them.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other (Romans 12:10).

To Do

Jot a quick note to a good friend, expressing your sincere appreciation for the friendship. Then mail it.

Also on this day . . .

This is National Children’s Day.

1530—Ivan the Terrible, the first tsar of Russia, was born.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).

2:1 day of Pentecost. The 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover week (Lev 23:15-16), thus the first day of the week. Pentecost is also called the Feast of Weeks (Dt 16:10), the Feast of Harvest (Ex 23:16) and the day of firstfruits (Nu 28:26). they were all together. The nearest antecedent of “they” is the 11 apostles (plus Matthias), but the reference is probably to all those mentioned in 1:13-15. in one place. Evidently not the upstairs room where they were staying (1:13) but perhaps some place in the temple precincts, for the apostles were “continually at the temple” when it was open (Lk 24:53; see note there). 2:2 violent wind. Breath or wind is a symbol of the Spirit of God (see Eze 37:9,14; Jn 3:8). The coming of the Spirit is marked by audible (wind) and visible (fire) signs. whole house. May refer to the temple (cf. 7:47).

2:3 tongues. A descriptive metaphor appropriate to the context, in which several languages are about to be spoken. fire. A symbol of the divine presence (see Ex 3:2 and note), it was also associated with judgment (see Mt 3:12).

2:4 All of them. Could refer either to the apostles or to the 120. Those holding that the 120 are meant point to the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (vv. 17-18) as involving more than the 12 apostles. The nearest reference, however, is to the apostles (see note on v. 1), and the narrative continues with Peter and the 11 standing to address the crowd (v. 14). filled with the Holy Spirit. A fulfillment of 1:5,8; see also Jesus’ promise in Lk 24:49. Their spirits were completely under the control of the Spirit; their words were his words. in other tongues. The Spirit enabled them to speak in languages they had not previously learned (see NIV text note). Two other examples of speaking in tongues are found in Acts (10:46; 19:6). One extended NT passage deals with this spiritual gift (lCo 12-14). Not all agree, however, that these other’ passages refer to speaking in known languages. The gift had particular relevance here, where people of different nationalities and languages were gathered.

2:5 God-fearing Jews. Devout Jews from different parts of the world but assembled now in Jerusalem either as visitors or as current residents (cf. Lk 2:25-2:6) speaking in his own language. Jews from different parts of the world would understand the Aramaic of their homeland. Also the Greek language was common to all parts of the world. But more than this was occurring; they heard the apostles speak in languages native to the different places represented.

2:9 Parthians. Inhabitants of the territory from the Tigris to India. Medes. Media lay east of Mesopotamia, northwest of Persia and south-southwest of the Caspian Sea. Elamites. Elam was north of the Persian Gulf, bounded on the west by the Tigris. Mepotamia. Between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Judea. The homeland of the Jews, perhaps used here in the OT sense “from the river of Egypt the Euphrates” (Ge 15:18), including Galilee. Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia. Districts in Asia Minor.

1:1 my former book. The Gospel of Luke. Acts was addressed to the same patron, Theophilus (see Introduction to Luke: Recipient and Purpose). began to do and to teach. An apt summation of Luke’s Gospel, implying that Jesus’ work continues in Acts through his own personal interventions and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

1:2 taken up to heaven. The last scene of Luke’s Gospel (24:50—52) and the opening scene of this second volume (vv. 6—11). The ascension occurred 40 days after the resurrection (v. 3). through the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ postresurrection instruction of his apostles was carried on through the Holy Spirit, and succeeding statements make it clear that what the apostles were to accomplish was likewise to be done through the Spirit (vv. 4-5,8; see Lk 24:49; Jn 20:22; see also Introduction to Judges: Theme and Theology). Luke characteristically stresses the Holy Spirit’s work and enabling power (e.g., v. 8; 2:4,17; 4:8,31; 5:3; 6:3,5; 7:55; 8:16; 9:17,31; 10:44; 13:2,4; 15:28; 16:6; 19:2,6; see note on Lk 4:1).

1:3 many convincing proofs. See the resurrection appearances (Mt 28:1—20; Lk 24:1—53; Jn 20:1—29; ICo 15:3—8). kingdom of God. The heart of Jesus’ preaching (see notes on Mt 3:2; Lk 4:43).

1:4 the gift my Father promised. The Holy Spirit (see Jn 14:26; 15:26—27; 16:12—13).

1:5 John baptized with water. See Lk 3:16. in a few days. The day of Pentecost came ten days later, when the baptism with the Holy Spirit occurred (2:1-4).

2:1-12 David Rosales, Calvary Chapel of the Chino Valley, Chino, California

2:1 a wedding. Little is known of how a wedding was performed in first-century Palestine, but clearly the feast was very important and might go on for a week. To fail in proper hospitality was a serious offense. Cana. Mentioned only in John’s Gospel 2:11; 4:46,50; 21:2). It was west of the Sea of Galilee, but the exact location is unknown.

2:3 When the wine was gone. More than a minor social embarrassment, since the family had an obligation to provide a feast of the socially required standard. There was no great variety in beverages, and people normally drank water or wine.

2:4 My time has not yet come. Several similar expressions scattered through this Gospel (7:6,8,30; 8:20) picture Jesus moving inevitably toward the destiny for which he had come: the time of his sacrificial death on the cross. At the crucifixion and resurrection Jesus’ time had truly come (12:23,27; 13,1;16:32; 17:1).

2:6 ceremonial washing. Jews became ceremonially defiled during the normal circumstances of daily life, and were cleansed by pouring water over the hands. For a lengthy feast with many guests a large amount of water was required for this purpose. holding. Refers to capacity, not actual content.

2:11 signs. John always refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs,” a word emphasizing the significance of the action rather than the marvel (see, eg 4:54; :6:14; 9:16; 11:47). They revealed Jesus’ glory (see 1:14; cf. lsa 35:1-2; Joel 3:18 Am 9:13).

2:12 went down. Situated on the shore of the lake, Capernaum was at a lower level than Cana. brothers. see note on Lk 8:19.

2:13 Passover. See Ex 12 and notes on Ex 12:11-23; see also: notes on Mt 26:17,18-30; Mk 14:1,12; Lk 22:1; and chart on “OT Feasts and Other Sacred Days,” p. 224. Passover was one of the annual feasts that all Jewish men were required to celebrate in Jerusalem (Dt 16:16). See note on 5:1.