In 1954 the phrase “under God” was added to the Pledge of Allegiance.

Some schools begin the day with everyone reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance” together. It’s a way of honoring the nation and of showing unity. When we say, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands,” we are saying that we will be loyal to our “one nation.” Then we add, “under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Added in 1954, the phrase “under God” is more than a nod his way—sort of like saying, “God’s OK, or “See, we’re religious.” Under means submission, obedience. If a soldier, for example, says that he serves “under” a certain army officer, he is saying that the officer is his “commander” and leader. What the officer says, he does, no questions asked.

When we say “under God,” then, we are promising to listen to God and to obey him because he is our leader, our commander.

God is also acknowledged on our coins. Check one out and you’ll see the phrase, “In God we trust.” This means, simply, that we rely on him, not on money, government, or anything else to satisfy us.

Most Americans say the phrase in the pledge (and spend the money) so quickly that they don’t even know what they’re saying. When we say the Pledge, we’re pledging allegiance to much more than a flag or a country—we are pledging loyalty to God.

So why don’t we live like it?

When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor. (James 4:10)

To Do

At your next meal with your family, suggest that you say the Pledge of Allegiance together. After, explain to everyone what “under God” means. Then pray together, thanking God for this nation and for his love and goodness.

Also on this day . . .

This is Flag Day.

This is Family History Day.

1775—The U.S. Army was formed.

1834—Isaac Fischer Jr. patented sandpaper.

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 1920 the U.S. Post Office Department ruled that children may not be sent by parcel post.

OK—now you know, so you have no excuse. You may not mail your little brother or sister to anyone, no matter how irritating they become. (Admit it—you’ve had that thought.) Someone must have tried it; otherwise, why would we have a rule against it?

Usually we think of mail as a way of sending messages (and packages), of communicating, with others. And we love getting letters (and packages) from friends and loved ones. Especially birthday cards with checks enclosed! These days we can communicate almost instantly with cell phones and e-mail.

Communication is at the heart of any relationship. We need to talk, to express, to share, to explain, to clarify, to ask for help, and to receive counsel and encouragement. Think about your best friend at school. Even if you spent most of the day together in classes, in the halls, and riding the bus, you probably talked or e-mailed that evening too, right? And when you’re totally out of touch with this person, you can’t wait to fill him or her in on your experiences and to catch up. Friends communicate.

You have a relationship with God, right? So how much do you talk? Communication is vital to that relationship, too. So how much do you listen?

We talk to God through prayer. Paul wrote, “Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18).

God talks to us through his Word, the Bible. Check out 2 Timothy 3:16.

No one, not even the government or the Postal Service, can keep you from communicating with God. So what’s stopping you?

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6)

To Do

Take a few minutes and write a letter to God, thanking him for all he has done for you, confessing where you’ve let him down, and asking for his help. Be specific. Put the letter in your Bible as a reminder of the importance of communicating with God.

Also on this day . . .

This is Race Unity Day.

This is Lobster Day.

1986—Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson were 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 Taco Day.

Tacos are a favorite fast food. Tacos probably came to the States from Mexico, and, at first, were only available in California or the Southwest. Now we can get them anywhere. And we have all kinds of tacos, even taco salad.

The basic taco has ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and salsa (sometimes other ingredients, too) packed in a tortilla shell. So in each bite you get an explosion of flavors. No wonder they’re popular—easy to eat and so tasty!

Can you imagine a “taco” with only salsa or only lettuce or only sour cream? Of course not. It would be something, but certainly not a taco. The mixture and blend of ingredients give it flavor and interest.

The same is true with believers in Christ. The Church a wonderful mixture of personalities, cultures, histories, ages, races, gifts, and talents. This variety flavors the Church and makes it effective.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote about this, using the body as his example (not a taco). Paul said that every person in the church, “the body of Christ,” is an important part, even though each person is unique. If everyone had the gift of preaching and no one had the gift of administration, imagine the chaos. It would be like a body with several noses and no arms or legs. A body needs a wide variety of parts, working together.

He also wrote that we shouldn’t be jealous of others’ gifts. Instead, we should determine our gifts and then use them to God’s glory.

Think about your church, your part of the Body of Christ on earth. What differences in talents, spiritual gifts, experience, and wisdom do you see? Thank God for the variety. And think about your special contribution. What can you do in your church?

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

To Do

Interview four or five adults in your church, asking what they think are their spiritual gifts. Then ask a couple of adults who know you well to suggest possibilities for your spiritual gifts.

Also on this day . . .

1880—John Lee Richmond pitched baseball’s first “perfect game.” He played for the Worchester, Massachusetts “Worcesters.”

1929—Anne Frank 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.

On this day in 1982 the movie E.T. opened in theaters.

E.T. was one of the most popular movies ever produced, setting box office records in 1982 and continuing to gain viewers and fans ever since.

E.T. stands for “extra-terrestrial”—a being from outside the earth, an “alien.” In the movie, a group of these aliens visit earth but have to leave quickly, leaving one of them behind. A 10-year-old boy, Elliot, finds the alien. The two begin to communicate and soon become friends. E.T learns about life on earth, and Elliot learns about the true meaning of friendship. E.T. wants to go home, but Elliot knows that if he helps E.T., he’ll lose a friend. And the adventure continues.

For many years people have wondered about life on other planets and possible alien visits. Occasionally, someone will report seeing a “flying saucer” (possible space ship). And science fiction shows and books with stories of Martians and other visitors have millions of fans.

Some of these stories, like E.T., picture the alien as friendly. But most depict aggressive and hostile figures. All are fiction.

The real visitor to earth from the outside came about 2000 years ago. We know tons about him, even his name—Jesus. And he didn’t come from another planet or galaxy; he came from heaven, from his Father.

Jesus not only visited earth, he actually became an “earthling,” a human being. Fully God, he became fully man and was born as a baby, in a manger. After living a perfect life, Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Then he rose from death and returned to his heavenly home.

Jesus wants to be your friend. Even more important, he wants to be your Savior! And he wants you, eventually, to come to live with him.

He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. (Philippians 2:7)

To Do

Reread the Christmas story—Luke 1 & 2.

Also on this day . . .

1910—Jacques-Yves Cousteau was born. He was the famous French underwater explorer who invented the aqua-lung.

1912—Silas Christoferson became the first pilot to take off from the roof of a hotel (but why?).

1919—Sir Barton became the first horse to capture the Triple Crown when he won the Belmont Stakes in New York.

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 1922 Judy Garland was born.

Judy Garland was a movie star and singer who made thirty-two feature films, did voice-over work, and appeared in at least half a dozen short subjects. She even received a special Academy Award and was nominated for two others. She also starred in thirty TV shows (ten Emmy Award nominations). She won a Tony Award and five Grammys, including Album of the Year in 1962. Her real name was Frances Gumm, and she died in 1969.

Most people remember Judy as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”—now you know who this is! When that movie was made in 1939, Judy was only 17 years old. The film has many interesting scenes and characters: munchkins, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Wicked Witch of the West. Perhaps the most memorable is the song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” With Dorothy (Judy) singing so sweetly, it has remained popular till this day.

We may think that rainbows have been around forever (or a least as long as we’ve had rain and sun), but the first rainbow appeared after the great flood. Noah had obeyed God and had built an ark to save his family and the animals. When the waters receded, God promised to never destroy the earth with a flood again. Then he said he would give the rainbow as a sign of his “covenant.”

So, more than a pretty song in a classic film and more than a pretty splash of colors across the sky, a rainbow reminds us that God loves us and has promised to be with us. With him it’s true, as Dorothy sang, “the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”

“When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” (Genesis 9:16)

To Do

Every time you see a rainbow, thank God for his great promises and the fact that they “really do come true.”

Also on this day . . .

This is National Black Cow Day.

1610—Dutch colonists settle on Manhattan Island.

1752—Ben Franklin flew a kite and discovered electricity in lightening.

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 Senior Citizens Day.

Have you heard any old people jokes lately? How about negative comments about and old person or old age? You know, statements like, “What are you, old? Move it!” or “Boy has she aged!” or “She’s so wrinkled, she has to screw her hat on!” And what do you think when you see an elderly person moving slowly? Or asking you to repeat your message because he couldn’t hear you?

What is old age? Not long ago, it was someone in his or her 40s or 50s. Today, it’s probably someone age 70 or above. Whatever the age, if we stay healthy, we’ll be there before we know it!

It’s easy to make fun of senior citizens. But that’s wrong. In fact, the Bible tells us to do just the opposite. Today’s verse says to show special “respect for the aged.”

We should respect old people because, first of all, they’re people. Second, we should respect them because of Jesus’ Golden Rule, treating others the way we want to be treated. Third, we should respect our elders because they are experienced and wise—they have much to offer in advice, insight, and counsel. Finally, the most important reason for treating our elders with respect is because God tells us to.

Besides not making fun of old people, we respect them by considering their needs. If they can’t hear well, we should speak up and talk slower. If they have something to say, we should listen carefully and thank them. If we know of an elderly person in the neighborhood who is struggling physically, we should help with housecleaning, yard work, and so forth. And we should heed the wise counsel of our godly elders and follow their example.

It’s spelled RESPECT—the best way to celebrate Senior Citizens Day.

“Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32)

To Do

Do something kind for an elderly person you know.

Also on this day . . .

1822—Charles Graham received the first patent for false teeth.

1934—Donald Duck made his debut (he still quacks us up).

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 Best Friends Day.

Five years ago, who was your best friend? How about three years ago? What about right now? Friends change over the years. When we’re very young, our good friends usually come from the neighborhood. Later, we form friendships with people who have the same interests. We might meet them at church, on a sports team, in choir, in a club, or something similar.

Maybe you’re the kind of person who has several very good friends and not one best friend. Either way, having good friends is important. Everyone wants and needs someone to be close, to care, to listen, to counsel, and to help.

So how are those friendships formed? And what makes a good friend anyway? Many factors can cause a friendship to begin. Two, as already mentioned, are living near each other and sharing interests and activities. Regardless of how a friendship begins, however, something else has to happen to make it go deeper.

For example, a good friend listens to you, without interrupting. A good friend cares about you, genuinely wanting the best for you. A good friend is honest with you, telling you the truth, even if it hurts. A good friend offers to help when you’re in trouble or have a need. And a good friend sticks by you, even if every one else seems to be deserting. Check our first verse for today. It highlights the last two of those characteristics.

Now that you know what a good friend is, apply those same statements to your friendship performance. In other words, what kind of friend are you? If your friends were interviewed about you, would they say that you listen, care, are honest, help, and are loyal?

If you want to have good friends, you’ll have to be one yourself.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17)

As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17)

To Do

Write a note to your “best friend” or one of your very good friends, and thank this person for his or her friendship. Be specific. And spend a few moments praying for this friend.

Also on this day . . .

This is National Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day (diet anyone?).

1786—In New York City, commercial ice cream was manufactured for the first time.

1925—Barbara Bush, wife of President George H. W. Bush, 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 Chocolate Ice Cream Day.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Strawberry? Cookies and cream? Pistachio? Probably the all-time favorite is chocolate. In fact, even if that’s not your favorite, you probably like it a lot.

Imagine that you’re talking to a person your age who has just moved to town. As you talk about family, interests, and likes and dislikes, you discover that your new neighbor has never tasted chocolate ice cream or anything chocolate. You love chocolate, especially chocolate ice cream, and eagerly gobble it up in a cone or bowl, whatever, especially on a hot summer day. So you try to describe the taste and your feelings to your new friend. What would you say? It wouldn’t be easy! You might say that it’s “sweet” and then try to find something else that has a similar taste (whatever that might be) and then explain that chocolate is sort of like that but different.

Eventually, you’d say, “Hey, you’ll never know till you have some. Once you taste it, you’ll see what I mean!”

Now imagine that you’re trying to tell someone about God and what he means to you. If the person has never met God and knows nothing about him, you’d probably have just about as much trouble as when you tried to describe chocolate ice cream. You could share verses and stories, and those would help, but eventually you’d probably have to say, “Taste and see!”

That’s what King David wrote in Psalm 34:8, our verse for today. And it’s so true. Anyone who encounters God finds that he is good and that he brings joy.

How does someone “taste” God? By reading his Word, praying, worshipping, and, most of all, by giving his or her life to him. Let everyone know!

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! (Psalm 34:8)

To Do

Read all of Psalm 34 and thank God for his goodness and joy you’ve experienced.

Also on this day . . .

1769—Daniel Boone explored the heart of Kentucky. This is Daniel Boone Day.

1775—The United Colonies made a name change and became 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). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.

This was D-Day in 1944.

D-Day refers to the beginning of a vitally important battle in World War II, in which the Allies (armed forces from America, England, Canada, and other countries) invaded France along the Normandy coast to fight the German Nazi army. The invasion was huge, involving more than 5,000 ships, from battleships to landing craft, that deposited about 130,000 troops on five beaches along 50 miles of coast. Early in the invasion, more than 1,000 transport planes dropped paratroopers as well. The cost of this invasion was also enormous, with total Allied casualties on this one day alone estimated at 10,000, including 2500 dead. But this was the first step toward victory in Europe.

The Allied commanders chose this invasion strategy because they needed to establish a “beachhead,” a place in enemy territory where the army could begin their move to victory. Having gained this beachhead, they could continue to bring in fresh troops who could move deeper into the countryside with their supply lines nearby.

This is often the way wars are won. A beachhead is established, often after a fierce battle. Then the rest of the territory is taken, one day and one battle at a time.

“Beachhead” is a good picture of what God wants to do in our lives. In many ways, we are enemy territory—sinful, selfishly living apart from God and for his enemy (Satan). But when we, by faith, open our lives to God, he comes in and begins to work, changing us on the inside, one day and one battle at a time. His goal? To make us like Christ (see Romans 8:29).

Have you taken that first step? Have you prayed and asked him in? When God invades your life, you’ll never be the same. He will gain the victory!

For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

To Do

If you’ve never given your life to Christ, do it now. Find a Christian adult to help and to answer any questions. Also, go on the Internet and read about D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

Also on this day . . .

1816—Ten inches of snow fell in New England. This was known as “the year without a summer.”

1933—In Camden, New Jersey, the first drive-in movie theater opened.

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 Hunger Awareness Day.

“I’m starving!” When’s the last time you said that to a friend or parent. Probably not too long ago. What you really meant was that you hadn’t eaten for a couple of hours and would appreciate a snack or an early meal.

But have you ever had excruciating hunger pains? Probably not. Yet every night, millions of people—men, women, and children—go to bed hungry, even in the United States, the land of plenty. And in some countries, torn apart by war, devastated by hurricanes or earthquakes, or wiped out by famine, thousands are truly starving—starving to death.

That seems almost hard to believe in a land with restaurants on just about every corner and strip mall and grocery stores with millions of food options. Just think of the food available to you right now and what you have already eaten today. Then think of a small boy or girl living in a sheet metal shack, digging for roots of plants or hunting for insects to eat. That’s sure different than a Big Mac, fries, and a Coke!

Some people are trying to make a difference, to take food to starving families. You’ve probably heard of World Vision, Compassion, Samaritan’s Purse, Bread for the World, World Relief, mission agencies, and other similar organizations. And your church and other ministries in the community work hard to assist poor people.

So the next time you’re tempted to say, “I’m starving,” remember what that truly means and think of what you can do to help.

Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then you light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. (Isaiah 58:10)

To Do

Find out the location of a local food pantry. Then take a bag of canned goods there as a gift from your family, to help feed the hungry people in the community.

Also on this day . . .

This is World Environment Day.

1968—During his campaign for the presidency, Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles, California.

1977—Apple II, the first personal computer, went on sale.

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.