In 1797 Claude Ambroise Seurat, the world’s skinniest man, was born in Troyes, France.

Claude was so skinny he was called “the human skeleton.” He probably was so skinny that he would be marked absent in class, had to move around in the shower to get wet, and would look like a zipper when he turned sideways and stuck out his tongue. Just kidding!

Have you ever felt too thin? How about too fat? We should eat the right foods and exercise, of course, but most Americans are way too concerned about their looks. Comparing ourselves to movie celebrities or magazine models, we never see our bodies and faces as just right.

But God made people of all shapes and sizes. Some people are tall; others are short. Some of us have dark skin; others, light. Certain individuals have long noses, and others have short ones. Some are naturally athletic, and some are gifted in music. Aren’t the differences great? Wouldn’t it be boring if we were all alike?

We can be easily fooled by the way people look on the screen or in ads. Virtually all of those actors and models have had surgery or have taken other extraordinary measures to make themselves look that way. Most people look normal. The next time you’re at a mall, amusement park, or other large gathering, look around. You’ll see a wide variety of God’s creations. And that’s good.

Psalm 139 presents an amazing view of our lives as God sees us. And check out the good news in today’s verse—God watched over us, even before we were born, putting us together just as he wanted.

Does that mean we should let ourselves go and become slobs? Of course not! It does mean, however, that we can accept the way God made us and celebrate who we are.

By the way, you look great!

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb (Psalm 139:15).

To Do

Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Spend a few minutes thanking God for what you see—hair, eyes, nose, skin, body type, height—and for what you don’t see—personality, talents, intellect, abilities, and family.

Also on this day . . .

This is National Siblings Day (be nice to yours).

This is also National Cinnamon Crescent Day (yum!).

1849—Walter Hunt of New York City patented the safety pin. He sold the rights for only $100. (I think that was a big mistake!)

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 1865 General Robert E. Lee and his 26,765 troops surrendered to Union General Grant at the Appomattox Court House in Virginia. This ended the U.S. Civil War.

War is terrible—always. Sometimes wars are necessary, when dictators enslave, despots attack, and nations and terrorists invade. Evil people spreading evil must be stopped. But wars exact an awful price. And this day marks the end of one of our nation’s costliest wars, in which Americans fought each other.

Families and friends can engage in their own “civil wars”—neighborhoods and churches, too. And most of those conflicts begin over unimportant and even silly issues. It’s so sad to see people who should love each other fighting for a petty reason.

The verse for today is found in a familiar part of the Gospels called the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus was teaching his disciples and the gathered crowds what being his follower would mean. Obviously he thought that working for peace is important, and he said that those who do so will be blessed.

Peacemaking means making an effort to get along. It may involve swallowing our pride and keeping silent when we want to yell and scream. It may mean compromising or giving in. It certainly means loving the other person and treating him or her as a special and loved creation of God.

With whom are you “at war” these days? Someone at school? A brother or sister? What will it take to make peace with him or her?

Work for peace.

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9).

To Do

Make a list of people with whom you often have disagreements, conflicts, or fights. Use that as a prayer list. Ask God to work in their hearts and on your relationships with them.

Also on this day . . .

The annual Rat Race and Parade are held in Louisville, Kentucky.

1833—Peterborough, NH, opened the first municipally supported public library.

1959—NASA announced the selection of America’s first seven astronauts.

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 the birthday of Ponce de Leon (1460). He’s the Spanish explorer who spent much of his life searching for the Fountain of Youth.

Forever, it seems, people have wanted to stay young, even back in the fourteen and fifteen hundreds. And people today are still looking for a “fountain of youth”—skin treatments, vitamins, and special diets—anything that can help them live better and longer.

They want to look young and feel young and to slow down the aging process. That’s because old age can be a pain. Joints and muscles ache, sicknesses hit, much is spent on prescriptions and doctors, and death moves closer. In today’s verse, Solomon wrote that many old people “no longer enjoy living.” One version of this verse (The Living Bible) translates old age as “the evil years.”

When we’re young, we have energy, and life is fun and exciting. So exciting, says Solomon, that we can forget about God. We can get so involved in playing games, spending time with friends, going to parties, eating, laughing, and enjoying our youth that we feel no need for our Creator.

But life passes quickly, and, before we know it, we’re much older, and we join the search for that fountain of youth.

Actually, a young person without God can become a bitter old person. Maybe you know someone like that—always complaining and griping, always feeling bad, joyless, and sad. But a young person with God can become a grateful and gracious old person, someone who has spent a lifetime serving the Lord and can look back with no regrets. Maybe you know someone like that: a grandparent, a neighbor, or someone at church.

Which kind of person do you want to become? It’s your choice.

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and no longer enjoy living (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

To Do

Talk to one or more elderly people who seem to be joyful. Ask them the secret of their happiness and how they came to faith in Christ.

Also on this day . . .

1893—The Critic reported that the ice cream soda was the national drink of the U.S.

1974—Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hit homerun 715, surpassing Babe Ruth’s record 714.

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 No Housework Day.

Whoever named this day must have been tired, or must have wanted a break from the daily routine of washing clothes, dusting furniture, vacuuming floors, and cleaning up, picking up, and straightening up. But imagine if this day were to extend into a week or a month—what a mess!

The fact is someone needs to do housework. No one wants to live in disgusting filth. (Isn’t that how your room was once described?) That’s why families need to pull together and work together. So everyone is assigned jobs to do around the house.

Someone takes out the garbage. Someone sets the table. Someone takes care of the dishes. Other chores include cutting grass, shoveling snow, raking leaves, weeding, making school lunches, babysitting . . . the list seems endless. And everyone is expected to clean up his or her own messes!

Are you tired yet?

Actually, effective families are like winning teams (remember the Olympics?). And teamwork means that each person plays a role and does his or her part . . . and does it well.

You say, “Sometimes I feel like a slave!” Guess what—Paul was writing to real slaves when he wrote today’s verse. But it applies to any kind of work we have been given: work for pay, schoolwork, and even chores. We are to work hard and cheerfully. And the secret for doing that is to know that we are working for God, not Mom, Dad, the teacher, a coach, or a boss.

Which of your chores are waiting to be done? Get going.

Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Colossians 3:23).

To Do

This week, do your chores before you have to, especially before your parent gets on your case. And do your work with a good attitude. That will please God, and—who knows?—the rest of the family may fall down in shock!

Also on this day . . .

1864—One of the first camel races in the United States was held in Sacramento, California.

1930—The first steel columns were set for the Empire State Building.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Do

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

Also on this day . . .

This is the first day of National Library Week.

1906—The first animated cartoon was copyrighted.

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

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

In 1985 an estimated 5,000 radio stations around the world simultaneously played the song, “We Are the World.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s something to think about.

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

To Do

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

Also on this day . . .

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

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

1965—Lava Lamp Day was celebrated.

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

This is National Reading a Roadmap Day.

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

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

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

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

It’s the Bible—God’s Word.

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

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

Don’t get lost. Check God’s map.

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

To Do

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

Also on this day . . .

1828—The process for making cocoa powder was patented.

1968—Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

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

In 1953 the first issue of TV Guide was published.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Do

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

Also on this day . . .

This is National Find-A-Rainbow Day.

1860—The Pony Express began delivering mail.

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

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

In 1792 the U.S. Mint began operations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stick to the candy mint!

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

To Do

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

Also on this day . . .

1805—Famous author Hans Christian Anderson was born.

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

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

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

This is April Fools Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Do

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

Also on this day . . .

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

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

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

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