Today is Commodore John Barry Day.

Name some heroes from the American Revolutionary War, and men like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Patrick Henry, John Hancock, and Paul Revere come to mind. But what about John Barry?

Did you know that Commodore John Barry was also a hero of the American Revolution and the holder of the first commission in the United States Navy? Most likely not. But in 1981, President Ronald Reagan designated September 13 as “Commodore John Barry Day.” In his proclamation, President Reagan noted that Barry became a national hero after capturing the British warship Edward on April 7, 1776. He further distinguished himself as a fighter and a seaman.

But according to President Reagan, Barry’s greatest contribution went beyond his heroics and patriotism. He was a “man of great insight who perceived very early the need for American power on the sea.” Barry had the ability to see the bigger picture and what was truly important for this young nation.

The ability to discern—to tell the difference between right and wrong, between what’s important and what’s not—is valuable not only in founding a nation, but also in daily living. In Philippians, Paul urged young believers to understand what is truly important. Why? So that they would be able to live according to Jesus’ standards and values.

There are many voices telling you how to live and what’s really important. Judging from society’s messages, you may be tempted to think that what’s important is to drive the right car, wear the right clothes, and hang out with the cool people. A better place to discern what’s important is in God’s Word and what Jesus has to say.

Be like Commodore Barry today and look for what’s really important.

For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns (Philippians 1:10).

To Do

Stump your friends and family today. Ask them if they know about Commodore Barry. Tell them why he is important to remember.

Also on this day

1788—New York City became the capitol of the United States.

1916—Author Roald Dahl was born today.

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 1984, Michael Jordan signed a seven-year contract to play basketball with the Chicago Bulls.

No one could have foreseen the impact that Michael Jordan would have on the game of basketball when he signed his name to that first contract with the Chicago Bulls. Just consider a few of his accomplishments during his career:

• Ten-time All-NBA First Team selection (1986–87 to 1992–93, 1995–96 to 1997–98)
• Selected in 1996 as one of the “50 Greatest Players in NBA History”
• A member of six Chicago Bulls NBA championship teams (1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98)
• Six-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player

The list of Michael Jordan’s accomplishments goes on and on. But did you know that, while growing up, Michael Jordan was continually beaten by his older brother, Larry, in one-on-one pickup games? Or that he was cut from the high school varsity basketball team as a sophomore? Yet, instead of giving up, Jordan used these failures to motivate him to greater achievements, practicing hour after hour on the court. “Whenever I was working out and got tired and figured I ought to stop, I’d close my eyes and see that list in the locker room without my name on it,” Jordan said. He eventually made the team and led it to the state championship.

We all have dreams and plans for our future. And we all can work hard to make those dreams come true. But unless we include God’s plan for us in our endeavors, we are going to miss out on a lot. God alone knows what is best for us. He alone can fulfill his purposes for us. We need to entrust our goals, our plans, and our dreams with him.

What are your dreams? What are your goals and plans for the future? Tell God about them, and as the psalm-writer says, let God “work out his plans for my life.”

The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever (Psalm 138:8).

To Do

Write down three goals you have for the future. Now write today’s Bible verse underneath those goals. Talk about your plans with God.

Also on this day

Today is Video Games Day. Play one of your favorite games!

1609—English explorer Henry Hudson sailed down what is now the Hudson River.

1873—The first practical typewriter was sold to customers.

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 1847, “Oh, Susannah” was sung in public for the first time. Stephen Foster sold the rights to the song for a bottle of whiskey.

Stephen Foster, who became the first composer of distinctly American popular songs, got his start in the business in a most unusual way. The youngest of nine children, Foster taught himself to play and write music because his parents did not approve of his interest.

Foster’s big break in composing came when he was 18. At the time, Foster was a bookkeeper, working for his brother. He had written a song, “Oh Susannah,” that was performed for the first time in public. Legend has it that Foster sold the rights to the song for a bottle of whiskey. The song went on to become the most popular tune in the country, adopted as the theme song of the California Gold Rush. Now some say Foster received $100 for the song. Either way, Foster had sold himself short.

Esau, twin brother of Jacob, did something similar. You remember the story. Tired and hungry, Esau had returned from hunting looking for something to eat. For the price of a bowl of stew, Esau sold his birthright to his younger twin. Esau gave up his inheritance because he was “starving.”

At that moment, Esau was only concerned with satisfying his hunger. He lost sight of the “big picture” and sold something of great value for mere stew. Foster too might have felt pressured to do whatever he could to sell his first song.

Maybe we feel pressured to get good grades, so we cheat on the test. Or we feel pressured to be popular, so we do something we know is not right to fit in. We sell ourselves short because we have lost sight of what’s really important. Keep your focus on God and what pleases him. That way you will always come out ahead.

Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau. He traded his birthright as the oldest son for a single meal (Hebrews 12:16).

To Do

Find a recording of Stephen Foster’s songs. Listen to the songs that were popular back in the late 1800s.

Also on this day

1936—Boulder Dam (now called Hoover Dam) was dedicated by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

1941—The groundbreaking ceremony for the Pentagon took place.

2001—Terrorists attacked the World Trade Centers in New York City and the Pentagon 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). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

In 1953, Swanson began selling its first TV dinner.

What became a basic part of the American diet back in the 1960s (and was the forerunner of today’s fast-food culture) was actually a hasty solution to a big problem—what to do with about 270 tons of leftover Thanksgiving turkey! Gerald Thomas, a C. A. Swanson & Sons executive, had 10 refrigerated railcars full of unsold turkeys. So, Thomas decided, why not package the turkey, along with some side dishes, in segmented trays that were used for airline food service?

To market the idea, the Swanson exec named it TV Dinner—the perfect meal to enjoy while watching that new phenomenon, television. Swanson came out with 5,000 TV dinners featuring turkey, corn bread dressing and gravy, buttered peas, and sweet potatoes. It cost 98 cents and came in a box resembling a TV.

The original 5,000 dinners was a gross underestimation. Swanson went on to sell 10,000,000 TV dinners that first year. Of course, not everyone was thrilled with TV dinners. The Swansons received their share of hate mail, mostly from upset husbands who missed their home-cooked meals.

Those early TV dinners were among the first convenience products offered to American households. Convenient and time-saving products have become an essential part our time-pressured culture. We have convenience stores, drive-through banks, drugstores, cleaners, and fast-food restaurants. Any number of products and services promise us fast, quick, time-saving solutions to our problems.

But there is no such thing as a drive-through church or an instant Christian. The Christian life requires a lifetime investment of daily growth, patience, and perseverance. There are no shortcuts to faith.

I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding (Philippians 1:9).

To Do

Think back on last week. How many times did you eat fast food? Use a drive-through service? What convenience products do you use every day?

Also on this day

1846—Elias Howe received a patent for his sewing machine.

1913—The Lincoln Highway, the first paved coast-to-coast highway, opened in the U.S.

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 490 bc the Battle of Marathon took place between the invading Persian army and the Athenian army. The marathon race originated from the events surrounding that battle.

The very first marathon, a long-distance footrace then of 25 miles, was held in 1896 at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. The race was staged to celebrate the run of messenger Pheidippides from the battlefield at Marathon to Athens in 490 bc.

The story goes that Pheidippides ran the 25 miles to announce the victory of the Athenians over the Persian army. Upon reaching Athens and proclaiming, “Rejoice. We conquer!” he fell down dead. Some 2,000 years later, his countryman, Spiridon Loues, won the 1896 marathon.

Since that time, the marathon has been a staple of every Olympic competition. The race was imported to the United States, when the Boston Athletic Association held its first ever marathon in 1897. The Boston Marathon remains the oldest continuously held marathon.

The distance of the marathon was later established at 26 miles, 385 yards at the 1908 Olympics in London, because that was the distance between the start at Windsor Castle to the finish line at the Olympic stadium.

Running a marathon understandably requires great stamina and a strenuous training regimen. But it also requires that runners follow the rules and finish the course. Running 24 miles won’t cut it. Jumping in at the last two miles and crossing the finish line isn’t acceptable. Anything less than running the full course is cheating.

It’s understood by any athlete participating in any event that in order to qualify for the prize, one has to follow the rules and perform according to the accepted standards. Cheaters are disqualified. The same is true in living the Christian life. Like athletes running a marathon, we have to train hard, follow the rules, and keep to the course that God has set before us. At points along the way, we will grow tired. We may even feel like quitting, or perhaps even cheating, to finish the race. That’s when we need to rely on God to help us maintain the course and finish the race.

Only then will we win the prize.

Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize (2 Timothy 2:5).

To Do

Create a training schedule for following God’s rules each day. You might want to include a time for prayer, a time to read the Bible, and time to worship God.

Also on this day

Today is Teddy Bear Day.

1850—California became America’s 31^st state.

1890—Harlan Sanders was born. He was the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

1999—The Sega Dreamcast™ game system went on sale. By 1 pm, all Toys “R” Us locations in the United States had sold out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Do

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

Also on this day

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

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

1966—Star Trek premiered on TV.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Do

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

Also on this day

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

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

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

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

Marquis de Lafayette was born on 1757.

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Do

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

Also on this day

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

1899—Carnation processed its first can of evaporated milk.

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

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

Today is Be Late for Something Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Do

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

Also on this day

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

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

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

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Do

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

Also on this day

1781—Los Angeles was founded by Spanish settlers.

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

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.