This is Halloween.

Halloween has grown to be a huge holiday in the U.S. People decorate their homes and dress up in costumes at parties. Children go door-to-door begging for candies with the familiar phrase, “Trick or treat.”

Originally this was sort of a religious day, as it preceded “All Saints Day.” But it has become anything but religious these days. Many of the decorations feature hideous, frightening creatures. Images of violence and death abound. “Haunted” houses draw people who pay for the privilege of screaming in terror. Everywhere, there is an atmosphere of darkness, evil, and fear.

What scares you—really frightens you, and not just like a silly Halloween party?

Some people are afraid of heights; others fear being in crowds. Some people run from clowns, while others hate being up high. One of the biggest fears, believe it or not, is speaking in front of a group. And if people are honest, just about everyone admits to fearing death.

If you read the Bible for very long, you’ll read, “Fear not” or “Don’t be afraid.” In Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses told Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you.” What a great promise!

And look at the verse for today in which John explains why we don’t have to fear: because God loves us.

So whenever you feel afraid, remember God is with you. Most of all, remember that he loves you!

Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us (1 John 4:18).

To Do

Make a sign that says “Fear not—1 John 4:8.” Tape it to your front door so that all the trick-or-treaters will see it. Who knows? You or your parents may get to tell someone what it means.

Also on this day

1517—Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses at Augsburg, beginning the Protestant Reformation.

1860—Juliette Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, 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). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is Buy-a-Doughnut Day.

Ah, doughnuts—those sticky, sweet, tasty treats. What’s your favorite—glazed? chocolate? sprinkled?

You may have wondered who invented the donut. According to one story, in 1847 a New England sea captain, Hanson Gregory, punched holes in dough because his mother’s doughnuts were not cooked in the center. Whether or not that’s true, the hole means that the baker uses fewer ingredients in each donut, and they are easy to stack on a stick (or a finger).

Some people say that doughnuts aren’t good for us because they’re fattening. But they sure can’t say that about the hole—it has zero calories.

In many ways doughnuts are like life apart from God—appealing and tasty on the outside, but empty in the middle. Solomon wrote about the emptiness of life in Ecclesiastes. Look at today’s verse where he says that life is meaningless.

Some people seem to spend their lives trying to live on doughnut holes. Solomon was that way for much of his life. He tasted it all: money, power, possessions, fun, and romance. We’ve already discussed Solomon several times in this book. But with every bite of life, Solomon wanted more. And when he got to the center, it was empty!

A better approach would be to see life as a nutritious meal; you know, one with the necessary fruits and vegetables to help you grow strong. Add meat, bread, and other essential foods, and you’ll do well. Then you can have the doughnut for dessert.

Real life begins with God in the center. Leave him out, and existence is as empty as a doughnut hole.

“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “utterly meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

To Do

Get a couple of doughnuts and challenge a sibling or a parent to an eating contest. Each person should put the doughnut on a finger and then eat as much as possible while keeping a circle of dough around the finger. Then you can explain how donuts are a lot like life.

Also on this day

This is Haunted Refrigerator Day. (Leftovers, anyone?)

1735—John Adams, the second president of the United States, was born.

1990—Tunnelers met under the English Channel and connected England to France.

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

On this day in 1929 the stock market crashed.

This day was known as Black Tuesday, and it began the Great Depression, the worst economic slump in U.S. history. And this slump spread to virtually the entire industrialized world.

During the first part of this decade, the Roaring Twenties, everyone was doing very well, or so it seemed. Salaries were up and people were buying lots of stuff, especially cars. The twenties also saw a stock market boom. People were investing a lot of money, and the stock values kept increasing. Life was good until Black Tuesday.

People began to panic and banks started to fail. Some people lost all their investments and savings. Many felt desperate, and quite a few committed suicide.

Can you imagine losing everything? What a terrible feeling!

At one time in his life, the apostle Paul had a lot going for him. He was well educated, a respected member of the community, and one of the elite—the “in crowd.” And to top it off, he was seen as a very religious person. From almost any angle he looked good.

But then he met Jesus and began to see life differently. What he once thought was important, now he considered “worthless.” He willingly gave it up to follow Christ. Check out today’s passage and the surrounding verses.

It’s easy to become confused and think that money, possessions, and popularity are all important. And when we don’t get them, or worse yet we lose them, we can feel devastated. But that’s the world’s lie. Far more important are heavenly treasures and what God thinks of you. Keep your focus on Christ and his kingdom, and life will make sense.

I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ (Philippians 3:7, 8).

To Do

Get a copy of today’s newspaper or a recent magazine. Flip through it and look for evidences of what the world says is valuable. Consider the contrast to what God says is really important.

Also on this day

This is Oatmeal Day.

1863—The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded.

1945—The first ballpoint pens to be made commercially went on sale at Gimbels Department Store in New York City at the price of $12.50 each.

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 1886, France presented the United States with the Statue of Liberty.

Standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognized symbols of political freedom and democracy in the world. Dedicated on this day in 1886, the statue was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924.

“Lady Liberty” has become the great symbol of freedom, especially for immigrants entering America. The inscription at the base of the statue states, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free . . .” and many thousands have passed her on their journey to citizenship.

Yet there is a symbol far greater than the Statue of Liberty. And the freedom it represents is eternal. This symbol is a cross.

Actually a cross is kind of a strange symbol when you think about it. Crosses were used for executions. To think of a cross is sort of like thinking of an electric chair or a gallows—not a pretty thought. But God has turned what was evil and ugly into what is good and beautiful.

The Bible teaches that the penalty for sin is eternal death. When Jesus was crucified he paid the penalty for the sins of all humanity. Sin also enslaves us while we are alive. But because of the cross, we can be free from both the penalty and power of sin. By believing in Jesus and trusting in him alone, we can be totally forgiven and have new life! Now that’s real freedom.

Thank God for the cross of Christ and breathe free.

Finally, they came to a place called The Skull. All three were crucified there—Jesus on the center cross, and the two criminals on either side (Luke 23:33).

To Do

Today, look for crosses. You’ll see them in very unusual places. For example, each telephone pole forms a cross. Every time you see one, thank God for sending Jesus to die for you in your place.

Also on this day

This is Bring Your Jack-O-Lantern to Work Day.

1965—The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, was completed.

1967—Actress Julia Roberts 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). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This is National Make a Difference Day.

Several years ago, Ron Hutchcraft, nationally known youth worker and speaker, held large “Go M.A.D.!” rallies. He wasn’t encouraging kids to be angry or act crazy. He was urging Christian teenagers to Make A Difference in the world for Christ.

Young people often feel as though they can’t do much in the world. After all, they don’t have power, position, or prestige (or much money). Even adults can feel this way when they consider the enormous problems in the world and think about being just one person out of millions.

But every person, young or old, can make a difference for good.

That’s certainly what happened hundreds of years ago in the hills by the Sea of Galilee. Remember the story? A huge crowd had followed Jesus to hear him teach. It was getting to be mealtime, but they were far from town. Jesus asked Philip, one of the disciples, where they could buy food. Philip answered that he didn’t know; besides, they didn’t have enough money to feed so many people.

Then Peter mentioned that a boy had a small lunch, then added, “But what good is that with this huge crowd?”

Remember what happened next? Jesus took the few loaves and fish and used them to provide food for everyone, with 12 baskets leftover.

That day the disciples learned that Jesus could use every person (no matter how young) and every contribution (no matter how small) to make a difference. What’s important is not the giver or the size of the gift but the Savior who takes it and uses it for his glory.

You can make a difference—in your family, neighborhood, school, church, and the world. It starts with giving your resources, your talents, your time, and most important, yourself to Christ.

“There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” (John 6:9).

To Do

Get a small packet of sticky notes and print “M.A.D.” on a bunch of them. Then post them inside the front covers of your books and notebooks to remind you of today’s lesson.

Also on this day

1858—Roland Macy opened Macy’s Department Store in New York City.

1858—Theodore Roosevelt, 26^th president of the United States, was born.

1925—Fred Waller received a patent for water skis.

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 1949, President Harry Truman raised the minimum wage from 40 to 75 cents an hour.

One of President Truman’s most famous sayings is “The buck stops here.” That sign sat on his desk for all to see. Even though he raised the minimum wage, the saying didn’t refer to money. It meant that the President was taking responsibility for his actions.

“Passing the buck” (blaming someone else) is easy and comes naturally. This practice began in Eden when God confronted Adam about his disobedience. Adam answered, “It was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12).

Whenever we do something wrong, we tend to make excuses or to blame someone else. “It wasn’t my fault!” “The sun got in my eyes.” “She made me do it.” “I couldn’t help it.”

That happened in ancient Israel too. Saul, Israel’s first king, grew impatient waiting for the prophet Samuel and decided to make a sacrifice to God. The problem was, according to God’s law, only a priest should offer sacrifices. When confronted by Samuel with his sinful actions, Saul made excuses, saying that he “felt obliged to offer the burnt offering” (see today’s passage). Because of Saul’s sin and his refusal to accept responsibility for what he had done, he lost the kingdom.

The lesson is clear: when we mess up, on purpose or accidentally, we need to admit our wrong and take responsibility.

“The buck stops here” means making decisions and doing the work that we are expected to do without pushing it off on someone else. Every position has responsibilities. Think about your parents. They provide for the family—food, clothes, housing, and protection. That comes with being a parent. And they don’t pass the buck.

That’s the other lesson for today: we need to do our jobs and do them well.

“So I said, ‘The Philistines are ready to march against us, and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!’ So I felt obliged to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.”

“How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have disobeyed the command of the Lord your God. Had you obeyed, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever” (1 Samuel 13:12, 13).

To Do

Make a small sign with the saying “The buck stops here” and put it on your desk. Use it to remind you to take responsibility for your actions and to do your assignments.

Also on this day

1881—The famous shootout at the OK Corral occurred in Tombstone, Arizona.

1988—Two whales, trapped for nearly three weeks in an Artic ice pack, were freed by Soviet and American icebreakers.

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 1955, the Tappan Company introduced the microwave oven.

What a fantastic invention! Before microwaves, cooking meals took a while. Now we can warm up leftovers or cook a TV dinner in minutes. It’s also great for heating drinks, popping popcorn, thawing meat, and dozens of other tasks.

Although we can eat sooner than before, we often wish the process were even faster. It’s the same with computers. Not very long ago, personal computers were rare, expensive, and slow. But now we can’t seem to get them to go fast enough. And what about the Internet? Only recently has it exploded into our lives as a great tool for communication and information, but we have come to expect it to serve us faster and faster. Dial-up seems almost prehistoric, and e-mail has morphed to instant messaging.

The inventions and technological advances are great, but often they raise our expectations for speed. We live in the instant society. We want everything now!

Some things can’t be rushed. Physical growth takes time. You may want to be taller right now, but you’ll have to wait. Other things shouldn’t be rushed—like education. Learning through books, classes, and experience takes years. At other times conditions force life to slow down—such as traffic on roads and airports during bad weather.

You’ve probably heard, “Patience is a virtue.” It’s true! And it’s listed in the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23). God knows that at times we will need to wait—for answers to prayer, for help in trouble, for relief from pain, for his kingdom to come. So he wants us to develop patience, to learn to wait and to depend on him in the meantime.

So the next time you’re standing at the microwave, sitting at the computer, or standing in line, take a deep breath, relax, and learn a lesson in patience.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy (Colossians 1:11).

To Do

Today try to take everything a bit slower. Instead of rushing around, try relaxing. And as you wait for the computer to connect, the phone to ring, or your favorite TV show to begin, remember the importance of patience.

Also on this day

1881—Painter Pablo Picasso was born.

1964—The Rolling Stones first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

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 United Nations Day.

On this day in 1945, the United Nations came into existence. As the name indicates, the goal is for the nations of the earth to be “united.” According to the preamble of the U.N. charter, “We the peoples of the United Nations determined . . . to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims.”

Being united is a wonderful ideal. Too often the nations of the world are terribly divided. Every day we hear of wars and other international conflicts. Because we desire unity and dislike conflict, however, we can get the idea that being unified or united is more important than anything else. Sometimes to keep the peace in a relationship, we might hide our real feelings. Or we may keep our thoughts to ourselves in a class even though we disagree with what’s being taught. Certainly peace and unity are important, but truth is more important.

Jesus warned his followers that their beliefs and allegiance to him would cause problems. In today’s verse, he says that instead of peace on earth, he brings “a sword.” Jesus wasn’t telling his disciples to be disagreeable. He was simply explaining that they shouldn’t expect to be welcomed by everyone.

Jesus claimed to be the only way to God. This truth challenges people who think that all religions lead to God. Jesus wants our complete allegiance. That doesn’t sit well in countries run by dictators or dominated by another religion. Jesus tells his followers to live right and to stand for what’s right. That doesn’t win many friends with those pressuring us to do wrong.

Better to be united with Christ and his people than to be the friend of the world.

“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! No, I came to bring a sword” (Matthew 10:34).

To Do

Think of people who have given you a hard time because of your faith in Christ. Spend some time praying for them right now.

Also on this day

This is National Bologna Day (no matter how you slice it).

1901—Anna Edison Taylor was the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

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 TV Talk Show Host Day.

Television talk shows have multiplied like rabbits. You can find one on the air at virtually any time, day or night. Who would ever have guessed that Americans would have so much to talk about?

If you watch for very long, you’ll soon realize that one of the keys to a show’s success is the host’s ability to ask good questions—thoughtful questions that draw out interesting answers. Imagine a guest hearing a series of questions like, “How are you?” or “Do you think it’ll rain?” Now that would get old real quick!

If you want good answers, you have to ask good questions.

So here’s a question for you: Imagine you’re a talk show host and God is your guest. If you could ask God one question, what would you ask?

Habakkuk had that opportunity. As a prophet his job was to give God’s message to the people. The problem, however, was that Habakkuk had more questions than he had answers. What did he do? He took his questions directly to God. You can find his questions and God’s answers in the little book of the Bible that bears the prophet’s name. In fact, today’s verse contains Habakkuk’s first question.

We can learn much from Habakkuk. Perhaps the most important lesson is that we can ask God any question—nothing is too difficult or boring or outrageous. He can handle all our questions. Check out God’s response to Habakkuk. God didn’t zap him or put him down; he took the questions seriously and gave serious answers.

So what about your nagging doubts and serious issues? Bring them to God—he can take it. And he’ll point you to the answers.

How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence!” I cry, but you do not come to save (Habakkuk 1:2).

To Do

Read the whole book of Habakkuk (it won’t take long). Note Habakkuk’s questions and God’s answers.

Also on this day

This is National Mole Day (Can you dig it?)

1930—In Chattanooga, Tennessee, J. K. Scott won the first miniature golf tournament.

1959—Song parodist “Weird Al” Yankovick was born.

1992—Japanese Emperor Akihito became the first Japanese emperor to stand on Chinese soil.

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 1938, the first copy was made on a Xerox® machine.

That first copy must not have been very good, because copiers weren’t used much until about 40 years later. Then for many years Xerox was the only company known for copiers. That’s why people will often say, “I’ll make a Xerox” when talking about making a photocopy of something. These days many companies make great copiers of all types. In fact, copiers have become so common that we can’t remember life without them.

Others have been talking about copies—scientists. You’ve probably heard of cloning. That’s the process of making an exact copy of a plant or animal. Some of these scientists are even talking about cloning humans. So far that’s illegal. Hopefully it’ll stay that way.

Even if scientists could “copy” human beings, however, no one could make another you. When God made you, he made a one-of-a-kind, unique model. No one else, not even an identical twin, has your exact combination of physical characteristics, personality, talents, likes and dislikes, abilities, personal history, and so forth. No one else has the same future either.

And here’s the best news of all: God loves you just as you are—the way he made you. In other words, you don’t have to change your looks, your personality, or anything else about yourself to please him. It doesn’t mean everything you think and do is OK. God wants us to have the right attitudes and actions to obey him. But you’re not a clone; you’re a “masterpiece” (see today’s verse). Remember that when you’re feeling lost in the crowd.

God has a great future in store for you. And there will never be another you!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10).

To Do

Ask your mom or dad how he or she has seen you change for the better as you have grown older. Then thank God for making you unique and for his continuing work in you.

Also on this day

This is National Color Day.

This is National Nut Day.

1746—Princeton University was founded.

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.