On this day in 1791, New York City established the first one-way street.

After getting your driver’s license you’ll become very aware of traffic signs: Stop, Yield, No U-Turn, Construction Zone, and many more. These signs keep traffic orderly. One of the most important is One Way. Certain streets have been given that designation to allow more vehicles to go faster in one direction. It’s a terrible mistake to drive the wrong way on a one-way street. It’s frightening and dangerous to suddenly have all the cars coming toward you.

Since 1791, most drivers are OK with one-way streets. But many people have trouble accepting the idea of having a single way in other areas of life, especially in spiritual matters. Someone might say, “There are many ways to God” or “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.” That may sound good, but it’s sincerely wrong.

You remember Jesus saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Clearly he was claiming to be the one way, the only way. But to many that seems narrow and just not right. They don’t want anyone, especially Jesus, to make that claim because they want to make their own way.

What if you drove like that? You come to a street marked One Way and you say, “Oh, no you don’t—I’m going my way!” Or you come to a bridge marked, “The only way across the river,” and you say, “I don’t believe it! I’m going downstream five miles and cross there!” Possible consequences are a collision with another car, a traffic ticket, or wasted time getting lost or backtracking.

Instead of rebelling against God’s one way to Heaven we should say, “Thank you, Lord, for providing a way, the only way!” Then drive God’s way.

But the Scriptures have declared that we are all prisoners of sin, so the only way to receive God’s promise is to believe in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:22).

To Do

Go to the mall and buy a One Way sign (that looks like a traffic sign). Or you can make one, using white cardboard and a black felt-tip pen. Hang it in your room to remind you that Jesus is God’s “One Way.”

Also on this day

This is Aviation Day.

1903—Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first successful gasoline-powered airplane flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

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 Covered Anything Day.

How much do you like chocolate? Some people call themselves “chocoholics” because they are almost addicted to the sweet treat. They grab anything chocolate and have trouble controlling the urge. They would love this day. To them, “chocolate covered anything” sounds wonderful.

But is it? Chocolate covered nuts are OK. And cherries. And just about everyone likes cake, cookies, or ice cream covered in chocolate. But how would you like to bite into a chocolate covered onion, or cockroach, or dirt ball, or brussels sprout? Eeeewww! As your tongue hits the chocolate, you think, This is great. But then you reach what it covers and you spit it out faster than you can say Willie Wonka. What’s on the inside matters; in fact, it’s more important than the sweet covering.

Life can be like that too. It’s good to be sweet and nice on the outside. And we should try to be positive, pleasant, and fun to be around. But sometimes an appealing exterior can hide a difficult person. And if we are fooled by a phony exterior, when we learn the truth we can feel hurt and cheated.

One day Jesus encountered a group of religious leaders who were giving him a hard time and trying to trip him up. They looked great on the outside, all dressed up and saying all sorts of good-sounding religious words. But inside they were pretty bad. So Jesus told them the truth about themselves. Read his harsh language in today’s verse.

The lesson is clear: we should be careful about what’s on the inside of our lives, even more than the outside. God wants genuine people—no phonies—whose hearts are right, who truly love and obey him.

How are you on the inside?

How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity (Matthew 23:27).

To Do

In honor of this day, get yourself a chocolate covered treat. As you enjoy the candy, think of how you can be more Christ-like in your thoughts, motives, and attitudes.

Also on this day

1773—Colonial patriots, dressed like Indians, dumped nearly 350 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. This is now known as the Boston Tea Party.

1901—The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter was printed for the first time.

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

On this day in 1654, a meteorological office established in Tuscany, Italy, began recording daily temperature readings.

How often does your family check the weather forecast? It’s virtually impossible to miss because all the radio stations give regular updates. And you can get the latest from the meteorologists on TV. If you’re really into temperatures, fronts, and isobars, you can watch the Weather Channel.

Knowing the weather helps us prepare. If a winter blast is predicted, complete with ice, snow, and howling winds, we bundle up from head to toe and stock up on hot chocolate for when we come in from the cold. And in the summer when we learn of a coming heat wave, we wear shorts, make sure the air conditioning is working, and get those cold drinks and ice ready.

Today’s verse isn’t about weather, but it does touch on temperatures. Maybe you’ve found it confusing. So switch gears here and think of hot and cold drinks.

Let’s say you’ve been out in the cold, shoveling snow. You’re freezing and tired. You come in and your mom says, “How’d you like some hot chocolate?” You eagerly take the mug and put it to your lips expecting the sweet hot liquid to warm you up. But it’s lukewarm instead. How awful!

Or imagine it’s summer and you’ve finished playing ball. You reach into the cooler, pull out a juice bottle, and take a swig. It’s lukewarm—yuck!

God wants believers to be “hot” or “cold”—fully committed. Lukewarm just doesn’t cut it. But sometimes followers of Jesus are just that—lukewarm. Blah. Bored. Blended into society.

So what’s your temperature? How do you think you “taste” to God?

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (Revelation 3:15, 16).

To Do

Make yourself a cup of hot chocolate or hot tea. As you drink it, ask God to help you be hot for him.

Also on this day

This is National Bill of Rights Day.

This is One Day! Day.

1939—The movie Gone With the Wind, based on the novel by Margaret Mitchell, premiered at Loew’s Grand Theater in Atlanta.

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 1999, Charles M. Schulz announced that he was retiring his Peanuts comic strip.

“Good grief!” says Charlie Brown, commenting on his latest misadventure. Charlie, his sister Sally, his friends Linus, Pigpen, Lucy, Schroeder, and Peppermint Patty, and his dog Snoopy are characters featured in the Peanuts comic strip.

Your newspaper may still carry Peanuts. Although it officially ended after 18,000 strips on February 13, 2000, many newspapers reprint it. Charlie the lovable loser never seems to get it right, whether playing baseball, kicking a football, picking a Christmas tree, or trying to impress the mysterious little red-haired girl. And with each misadventure he exclaims, “Good grief!” The comic strip was wildly successful probably because most people could identify with Charlie. We all have days when nothing seems to go right, and we sigh, “Good grief!”

That’s a strange expression, isn’t it? What could possibly be good about grief? Grieving means loss and sorrow and tears. It seems to be the opposite of good. Putting those two words together is like combining “high low,” “empty full,” or “friend enemy.” Right?

Well, yes and no. The Bible points out how sorrow can actually be good for us.

Consider today’s verse in which Paul explains that “God can use sorrow in our lives” for good. If you’ve been punished for doing something wrong, for example, you know that your sorrow and bad feelings taught you a valuable lesson. Or if you have been injured while doing something and then realize it could have been much worse, then you actually feel glad about the injury, even though it hurts. So grief can be good after all, especially if it pushes us away from sin and toward God.

For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

To Do

Think back over the past year and list the “sorrows” that have been good. What lessons did you learn? In what ways was your grief good? Review Romans 8:28.

Also on this day

This is Yuletide Lads Day in Iceland, so if you’re traveling there, be prepared to celebrate.

1799—George Washington died at the age of 67.

1918—For the first time in Britain, women voted in a general election.

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 1843, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was published.

Since we’re moving quickly toward Christmas, it won’t be long till you’ll see a version of A Christmas Carol. You probably know the story well. Featuring Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley’s Ghost, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future, through whom Scrooge learns the real meaning of Christmas.

Do you remember Scrooge’s famous phrase? That’s right—”Bah! Humbug!” he would say whenever someone tried to get him in the Christmas spirit.

Have you ever felt like Scrooge? Have you grown tired of all the carols and crowds, or run short of money with presents still to buy? Are you afraid you won’t be getting what you really want for Christmas? Are you stressed with the added activities and responsibilities? Are you tempted to say, “Humbug”?

That’s when we need to remember Christmas past. No, we don’t need a visit from a fictional ghost; we just need to remember the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate.

Our verse for today says it all: “God with us.” Christmas celebrates the greatest gift ever given—God himself in human flesh.The wise men presented gifts to baby Jesus. And for centuries Christians have exchanged gifts in his honor.

Christmas is all about the giving, not the getting. And when we give to family, friends, and others, we should expect nothing in return. Our giving should be a response, not a habit or a way to get.

So get through those humbug feelings and find the truth in this season. And don’t forget to “Thank God for his Son—a gift too wonderful for words!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us) Matthew 1:23.

To Do

Buy an extra gift for someone who really needs it. Give it anonymously (without putting your name on it), and don’t ever let him or her know that you were the giver.

Also on this day

This is Bicycle Built for Two Day.

1759—The first music store in America opened.

2000—U.S. Vice President Al Gore conceded the 2000 Presidential election to Texas Governor George W. Bush.

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 1925, The Motel Inn, the first motel in the world, opened in San Luis Obispo, California.

Think back to your last family trip. Did you stay at a motel along the way? Even if you didn’t, you probably saw a bunch of them. We’ve come a long way since the first motel in 1925. Now national motel chains, independent motels, bed and breakfasts, and hotels dot the landscape. So every night millions of travelers must need places to stay.

Way back before motels, like in Bible times, travelers would sleep outside or in the few available inns. Remember when Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem? Mary “gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn” (Luke 2:7).

Often travelers, even strangers, would be welcomed into homes where they could stay the night for free. The Bible says that Christians are expected to show hospitality toward others. Paul wrote: “When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night” (Romans 12:13).

Showing hospitality means being kind to strangers, helping people in need, and even opening our homes when we can. In fact, our verse for today implies that when we do this we might even be entertaining angels and not even know it.

You don’t own a house, and you’re probably not going to open a motel any time soon. But still you can be hospitable by being nice to the new kid in the neighborhood, in school, or at church. And you could invite him or her over to your house to hang out and mess around. You would make that “stranger” feel welcome, and you’d be acting like Jesus.

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (Hebrews 13:2).

To Do

Think of someone new to your school, church, or neighborhood. Go out of your way to be friendly to him or her. And, if the time is right, invite him or her over to your house.

Also on this day

This is Poinsettia Day.

1792—In Vienna, 22-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven received his first lesson in music composition from Franz Joseph Haydn. (Have you practiced the piano 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.

On this day in 1981, Muhammad Ali fought his last fight.

In 1960, 18-year-old Cassius Clay won a boxing gold medal at the summer Olympics in Rome, pummeling a Polish opponent in the final. So proud of his medal, Cassius wore it continually for two days.

After the Olympics Cassius Clay turned pro and boasted, “I am the greatest.” Then he seemed to back up his claim by winning every fight. Before many fights he predicted the round in which he would win, and his predictions proved to be accurate. In 1962 he proclaimed, “I’m not the greatest; I’m the double greatest. Not only do I knock ‘em out, I pick the round” (New York Times). Later Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali.

Eventually Ali was the three-time world heavyweight champ, defeating Sonny Liston (1964), George Foreman (1974), and Leon Spinks (1978) for the title. He also fought Joe Frazier three times (1971–75), winning twice. Certainly Ali was a great boxer; perhaps even, as he claimed, “the greatest of all time.”

But only one person can truly claim the title of “the greatest.” That person is Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Not everyone recognizes that fact these days, but eventually everyone will, even Ali. As today’s passage states, “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Did you get that? Every knee will bow—on earth (all people), in heaven (including angels), and under the earth (including demons).

Knowing this can give us hope and courage. We are following the right leader, the only One who can give us eternal life. Other people may not understand that Jesus is God and the Messiah, but they will eventually. He truly is the greatest.

Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

To Do

Today, listen and watch carefully for the words great and greatest. Every time you hear or read one of those words, think of Jesus and thank God for giving us his Son, “the greatest of all time.”

Also on this day

This is National Noodle Ring Day.

1844—Dr. Horace Wells became the first person to have a tooth extracted after receiving an anesthetic (laughing gas) for the dental procedure.

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 1939, the National Football League’s attendance exceeded 1 million in a season for the first time.

That’s a lot of sports fans, especially in 1939. But these days, with 31 teams and huge stadiums, the NFL’s attendance totals about 16 million for a season or about 1 million each week. And just think how many people are watching on TV!

As impressive as those numbers are, however, consider this: on any given Sunday, there are more people at church than at NFL games. That’s right. According to studies, 44% of adult Americans attend church regularly, so that would make about 65 million every week. How about that, sports fans?

Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (see today’s verse). He was talking about people, not buildings. Christ’s church includes all people who trust in him as Savior, all over the world. So it’s HUGE.

Unlike pro football, you won’t find vendors, cheerleaders, scoreboards, or referees in a church service, and you won’t need a ticket. But you can find excitement. Nothing could be more thrilling, for example, than to hear God speak through his Word and watch the Holy Spirit transform lives. And best of all, everyone wins. The champions in football and other sports are soon forgotten as we look to find new winners and heroes, but what happens in church lasts forever.

Hebrews 10:25 says not to neglect meeting together, “but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of [Christ’s] coming back again is drawing near.” Makes sense.

See you in church!

Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it (Matthew 16:18).

To Do

This Sunday in church look at people, especially those you know well, in a different way. Think of how God has changed their lives. Thank God for his great work and for his church.

Also on this day

This is Human Rights Day.

1830—Poet Emily Dickinson 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 1793, the American Minerva was published for the first time.

The American Minerva was the first daily newspaper in New York City. From there, newspapers were started all across the country.

Newspapers have become a regular part of daily life in America. Today’s papers include not only news, but also opinion columns, features, comics, and advertisements.

These days, most people also get news from TV, radio, and the Internet, all much more immediate than the papers. But before those outlets, newspaper vendors would stand at street corners and yell, “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” to inform everyone that something important had happened.

When you have news, you want to get out the word. The Bible calls the message of Christ the good news. That’s because without Christ, just about everything else is bad news. The worst news of all is that all people are dead in their sins and have no hope for eternal life. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” And Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Did you get that? The first verse is the bad news, but the second gives hope.

No wonder the Bible calls it good news.

So here’s the question: What are we doing to get out the word? God doesn’t tell us to stand on a corner and shout, but we can use other ways to tell our friends and family about Christ. First, we should live out the good news. And then, when God gives us opportunities, we should tell people what Christ has done for us and what he can do for them.

And we can show them the Bible where they can “read all about it.”

Here begins the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God (Mark 1:1).

To Do

Take a few minutes and write a brief newspaper-style article on the good news of Jesus Christ. Make up a headline to go with your article.

Also on this day

This is Personal Passion Day.

1884—Levant M. Richardson received a patent for the ball-bearing roller skate. (Now we’re on a roll!)

1992—U.S. troops arrived in Somalia to oversee delivery of international food aid in Operation Restore Hope.

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 1909, the Birdbanding Society was founded.

Birdbanding is the placing of metal bracelets on the legs of wild birds. This helps scientists learn the migration patterns and life histories of different species of birds. Banding birds began centuries ago, but in 1899, Hans Mortensen, a Danish schoolteacher, developed the system still used today. He put aluminum rings on the legs of European birds. Each band had his name and address because he hoped the birds would be returned to him when they were found.

Bird migration is fascinating, and scientists still can’t figure out how it works. Think about it—birds aren’t very strong, yet some travel great distances, flying days without stopping. The blackpoll warbler, a North American bird about the size of a sparrow, for example, flies nonstop almost 2,500 miles to South America where it lives for the winter. God created these birds with the desire, stamina, and navigation system to make that trip.

The Bible mentions at least 24 kinds of birds, beginning with creation (Genesis 1:20-23). You probably remember reading about doves, roosters, and eagles. Often the eagle is used as an example of God’s care (see Exodus 19:3, 4). God also says that we can become “like eagles.” These magnificent birds soar above the earth riding the wind currents. Vultures (Matthew 24:28) are ugly and feed on dead and decaying animals—yuck!

So which bird would you rather be like? Our verse for today tells how to be an eagle. The secret? “Wait on the Lord.” That means trusting in God and relying on him instead of friends, family, money, or government for salvation and security.

You can fly like an eagle. Soar in faith!

But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

To Do

Memorize today’s verse, Isaiah 40:31. It’s a great one to remember, especially when you’re having a tough day.

Also on this day

This is National Brownie Day.

1941—The United States entered World War II when it declared war against Japan.

1998—The first female ice hockey game in Olympic history was played. Finland beat Sweden 6-0.

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.