On this day in 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese, bringing the U.S. into World War II.

We weren’t prepared. It was a sneak attack.

At about eight o’clock in the morning on Sunday, December 7, 1941, approximately 100 ships of the U.S. Navy lay in the harbor at Oahu, Hawaii. Suddenly Japanese planes burst through the clouds and began raining bombs, eventually destroying 188 planes, damaging or destroying 8 battleships, and leaving 2,403 people dead. The United States was thrust into the Second World War.

This terrible attack was a surprise because the United States was not at war with Japan. In fact, just before the attack Japanese officials had been in Washington discussing peace.

Sneak attacks are effective because the opposition isn’t prepared to defend and to fight back. Think of the difference if America had known the Japanese were coming!

Christians are like soldiers, pilots, and sailors. We’re in a war. Satan and his forces want to hurt and defeat us. And Satan specializes in sneak attacks. Today’s verse describes him as a “roaring lion” prowling for victims.

As you know, lions sneak up on their prey and then pounce. Quickly the unsuspecting victim is toast. It’s an accurate picture of how the devil works.

That’s why we need to be ready, to be on our guard. Satan doesn’t announce, “Hey, here I am, coming to get you!” Instead, he quietly tempts us to do wrong. Often he twists God’s words (like he did with Adam and Eve) to get us confused. Sometimes the temptations are big, but often he is content to have us just become bored with our faith.

To be ready, on guard, we need to stay close to God and his Word. And in every temptation we need to rely on God to give us the strength to resist.

Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

To Do

Go online or check an encyclopedia and read more about Pearl Harbor and the monument to the men and women who died there.

Also on this day

This is National Cotton Candy Day.

1787—Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

1972—Apollo 17 was launched at Cape Canaveral. It was the last U.S. moon mission.

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 1865, the 13^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified.

The 13^th Amendment abolished slavery. This didn’t end racism and discrimination in the United States, but at least the terrible act of one human being enslaving another was illegal.

In America we understand and value freedom. Not only do we stand against slavery, but we also guard carefully the other freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution. But here’s a startling truth—people, even Americans, are slaves and not truly free at all.

The Bible tells us that every person is born a sinner and is a slave to sin. No matter how nice we are and how hard we try, we cannot go a day without sinning. Those sins separate us from God. He’s holy and perfect, and we are very unholy and imperfect. So we have no freedom to come to him and even to do what is right.

That’s where Christ comes in. When we trust in him, he frees us from our bondage to sin and from our slave-master, Satan. And he frees us to make the right choices and to follow him. Instead of slaves, we become God’s very own children.

We don’t need an amendment to the Constitution to make this true. God’s Word—his “constitution”—guarantees it. You are free indeed!

So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father” (Romans 8:15).

To Do

Read the book of Philemon. It’s the story of a man who was a slave who became twice free.

Also on this day

This is St. Nicholas Day.

1877—Thomas Edison demonstrated the first gramophone, with a recording of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

1926—In Italy, Benito Mussolini introduced a tax on bachelors.

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 Bathtub Day.

Yucky. Filthy. Dirty. Smelly. Nothing feels worse than being gross all over. Sometimes it’s so bad that you don’t want to be around yourself.

Then you jump in the shower or tub and scrub all the crud away with hot water, soap, and shampoo. Nothing feels better than being totally clean.

We can be dirty inside, too. Even when we’ve scrubbed off all the smelly mess on our skin, in our hair, and under our nails, we can feel as though we need to wash our minds and hearts. Dirty thoughts and hateful feelings can mess up our tidy lives. And then there’s envy, pride, greed, deceit, anger, and other evil plots and plans. Sin has a way of soaking us through and through.

That’s when we need a real bath—a cleansing of the soul and spirit.

We don’t need a bathtub for this procedure. We just need to place ourselves in the shower of God’s grace. He promises that when we confess our sins, he will cleanse us, forgiving us completely. Then, not only will we feel clean, we will actually be clean inside—where it really counts. And once we’re clean inside, God can use us to do his work. That’s what today’s verse is talking about.

Consider a drinking glass. Before drinking out of it you want the glass to be clean. And it’s not enough to wipe off the outside—you’ll make sure the inside has been thoroughly washed, too.

Your life is like that glass. When God cleans you on the inside he can use you to take his life-giving message to others.

Do you need a “bath,” a spiritual cleansing? Let God make you totally clean!

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21).

To Do

Every time you use soap today, remember that you are clean in Christ. Ask him to keep you pure for his use.

Also on this day

This is International Day of Disabled Persons.

1492—Christopher Columbus discovered Hispaniola.

1782—Martin Van Buren, the 8^th president of the United States, 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 1812, Peter Gaillard patented the power mower.

Mr. Gaillard must have lived in a warm climate; otherwise, how could he test his mower?

Ah, grass—the green stuff that comes after the snow leaves and the ground thaws. You may have had to mow the lawn as one of your chores. If you use a power mower, aren’t you glad for Mr. Gaillard’s fine invention? But 1812—why did it take so long for power mowers to get to the public? They didn’t become popular till the 1960s. Don’t ask; just start and push.

You probably have mixed feelings about chores. You know jobs have to be done, but you really don’t like doing them. What if no one washed the dishes? Soon the kitchen would be overflowing with plates, silverware, and glasses. And if no one took out the garbage, what a smelly mess you’d have! Your parents could pay an outsider to do those jobs, but that would waste a lot of money. Besides, chores help the family work together, with every person playing an important role—like a team.

The Bible talks about teamwork, especially in the church. Today’s verse, for example, says each person should do his or her “own special work.” Paul also wrote, “We work together as partners who belong to God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Certainly some jobs are more unpleasant or more difficult than others, but someone has to do them. And sometimes we compare our chores to others’ and don’t think we got a fair deal. Instead, we should do these family jobs with a good attitude. Paul even told slaves, “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23).

So grab that shovel (or mower) and smile!

Under [Christ’s] direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love (Ephesians 4:16).

To Do

Today, do your chores before being reminded by your mother or father. Watch how they react. Caution: they may be shocked at your actions and positive attitude.

Also on this day

This is National Wear Brown Shoes day.

1619—America celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in Virginia.

1680—A hen in Rome, Italy, reportedly laid an egg imprinted with the image of a comet.

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 1931, Alka-Seltzer® was sold for the first time.

You know how Alka-Seltzer® works, right? Take a couple of the tablets, drop them in water, and watch them fizz and disintegrate. Then drink it up. It’s supposed to bring relief to aching stomachs and heads and stuffy noses.

Relief means change, a break in the action, a new approach, and a turn for the better. We have relief pitchers in baseball and relief workers in areas hit by natural disasters. We talk about getting relief from a cold snap in winter, and when we hear good news (like, “No homework today”), we say, “That’s a relief!” We usually associate relief with stopping pain and feeling better.

That’s the good news. But here’s the bad. The Bible says that hell is a place of “no relief.” Check out today’s Bible verse. There, medicine won’t help. A new weather front won’t change conditions. No one and nothing will be able to relieve the suffering in that terrible place. What an awful prospect!

Heaven, on the other hand, is all about relief from the sin and suffering in life. Instead of pain, we’ll have pleasure. Instead of darkness, light. And we’ll be reunited with loved ones. Now that’s the place to be!

So what makes the difference? How does a person avoid hell and make it to Heaven? Only by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8, 9).

When we trust in Christ as Savior, turning over control of our lives to him, we are saved from eternal death. We receive eternal life and become members of God’s eternal family.

What a relief!

The smoke of their torment rises forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshipped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name (Revelation 14:11).

To Do

Get a concordance. Look up Heaven and read all the related verses. Do the same for hell.

Also on this day

This is National Ice Cream Box Day (Cool!).

1833—Oberlin College in Ohio opened as the first truly coeducational (admitting both men and women) school of higher education in 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.

On this day in 1804, Napoleon was crowned Emperor of France.

A masterful general, an amazing military tactician, and a superb administrator, Napoleon Bonaparte was also an utterly ruthless dictator. Later in his career he thought he could do no wrong. So his name is often connected with overreaching military ambition and great pride. Although Napoleon conquered much of Europe, he lost two-thirds of his army in a disastrous invasion of Russia.

Because Napoleon was short (nicknamed “the Little Corporal”), short men who are overly aggressive are said to have a Napoleon complex. They seem to try to act taller and bigger by coming on strong in relationships and business.

The Bible tells about a man who probably had that kind of complex. Zacchaeus was a little guy, and in his job as tax collector he was mean and dishonest. Remember the story? Read it in Luke 19.

One day, as Jesus was making his way through town, Zacchaeus had to climb a tree to see him. Jesus saw him, called him by name, and asked to go to his house. And that’s when Zacchaeus’s life turned around. Instead of the taxman who got rich by cheating his neighbors and lording it over them, he became an honest man, humbly submitting to the Lord.

What made the difference? He experienced Jesus’ love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Here’s the deal. Whether you’re short or tall, coordinated or uncoordinated, exceptional or average, Jesus loves you and accepts you as you are. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not or try to be different to be accepted by God.

So change your Napoleon complex to a Zacchaeus complex. Come down from that tree and meet the Savior.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today” (Luke 19:5).

To Do

Take out a sheet of paper and write down all the ways that you feel inadequate or wish you were different. Include physical and personality characteristics, natural abilities, and past experiences. Then thank God for each one and ask him to show you how you can serve him as yourself, the way he made you.

Also on this day

This is National Fritters Day.

1862—Circus entrepreneur Charles Ringling was born.

1990—The midwest section of the United States prepared for a massive earthquake predicted by Iben Browning. Nothing happened, by the way.

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 1887, Sherlock Holmes first appeared in print.

Sherlock Holmes, a fictional English detective, achieved fame through several novels by Arthur Conan Doyle. In each story Holmes and associates would try to solve an unsolved crime. Eventually, using his incredible observational and deductive skills, Holmes would solve the mystery.

Do you enjoy mysteries? Many books and popular TV shows feature crime-solving detectives, investigators, police officers, district attorneys, and citizens. It’s fun to follow the clues and identify the villains.

But some mysteries can’t be solved by mere human beings. Today’s Scripture, for example, explains “the great mystery of our faith”—the story of God becoming a human being. For 2000 years, people have been trying to answer this one: How could Jesus be fully God and fully human? What does it mean to be the “God-man”? It’s a mystery, and it’s unsolvable because God is way beyond our ability to think and figure out.

Some people think they have to understand something in order to believe in it. So they only accept what they can touch, taste, see, hear, and feel—like food, snow, toys, friends, school buildings, and homework. Because they can’t see God, and certainly can’t understand everything about him, they find it difficult to believe in him at all.

That’s where faith comes in.

Jesus lived on earth, died, and rose from the dead. That’s history. But it’s also “mystery” because the Bible says he was sinless and lives now in Heaven and in us through the Holy Spirit.

Thank God for this “great mystery of our faith.” Believe!

Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ appeared in the flesh and was shown to be righteous by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and was announced to the nations. He was believed on in the world and was taken up into heaven (1 Timothy 3:16).

To Do

Talk to your minister and ask about the great “mysteries” of the Christian faith.

Also on this day

This is World AIDS Day.

It’s also Eat a Red Apple Day.

1955—Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat in the front section of a bus.

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 2001, McDonald’s teamed up with a popular toy store chain to provide the toys for its Happy Meals®.

It started in 1978 as a promotion at a Kansas City McDonald’s, when a toy was offered to kids along with their hamburger, fries, and shakes. The introduction of the Happy Meal® took the country by storm, and, for more than 25 years, young customers have enjoyed getting a fun toy along with their meal.

In fact, these toys have become popular collector’s items worldwide. Some people are so obsessed with their toy collection that they go to multiple restaurants and buy (maybe not eat!) as many kids’ meals as it takes to complete a portion of their collection.

With such a highly successful marketing concept, other major retailers sought partnerships with the restaurants in order to get their merchandise into children’s hands. And it didn’t take Hollywood long to catch on, either. Now nearly every major family film release is accompanied by a kids’ meal tie-in.

While some might think that collecting toys brings happiness, what brings you happiness? Maybe it’s new clothes, or a fun afternoon with your friends. Or maybe it’s spending a quiet afternoon reading. Whatever it might be, we need to remember that true happiness comes from only one source—and that’s a rock-steady relationship with Jesus Christ. Our joy comes from knowing Jesus and knowing that he is with us always. And what’s better, it’s this type of joy that helps us through the tough times—when the friends aren’t there, the shoes have holes in them, or the toys break down.

Jesus never fails us. He is always with us, and that should bring you real happiness and joy.

So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while (1 Peter 1:6).

To Do

Make a list of what makes you happy. Now cross off anything that is temporary or depends on your circumstances. What’s left on your list?

Also on this day

Stay Home Because You’re Well Day.

1835—Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) was born.

1875—A.J. Ehrichson patented the oat-crushing machine.

1954—In Sylacauga, Alabama, Elizabeth Hodges was injured when a meteorite crashed through the roof of her house. The rock weighed 8½ pounds.

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 1898, C.S. Lewis was born.

C.S. Lewis, one of the most respected Christian writers, is the author of the beloved children’s classic Narnia tales. Yet it took Lewis until his adult life before he became a Christian and accepted the truth about God.

As a youngster growing up in Northern Ireland, Lewis was raised as a Christian. He even turned more to the Christian faith after his mother died in 1908. But in his teens Lewis abandoned his faith. He became more interested in German mythology, which led him to see Christianity as “kind of . . . nonsense into which humanity tended to blunder.” Lewis became an atheist (one who believes there is no God) while a student at Oxford University and remained one well into his thirties.

After graduating in 1925 with honors, Lewis became an English professor at Magdalen College. During that time he met fellow writers and friends, J.R.R. Tolkien (author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Hugo Dyson. Lewis became a Christian after a long discussion with Tolkien and Dyson about the Christian faith. The next day Lewis recalled, “When we set out [by motorcycle to the Whipsnade Zoo] I did not believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did.”

Lewis went on to become a strong defender of the faith, and no doubt would agree with the psalm writer that “Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’” The good news for Lewis and anyone with doubts is that God is patient with us and is eager for all to come to the same conclusion of faith as Lewis (2 Peter 3:9).

In The Case for Christianity Lewis wrote, “Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won’t last forever. We must take it or leave it.”

Have you taken it?

Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; no one does good! (Psalm 14:1).

To Do

If you haven’t already done so, get a copy of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe from the library and read it.

Also on this day

1929—The first airplane flight over the South Pole was made by U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Richard E. Byrd.

1934—The Chicago Bears beat the Detroit Lions in the first NFL game broadcast nationally.

1961—Mercury-Atlas 5 carried a chimp named Enos into orbit.

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 1863, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated as a regular American holiday.

You probably already know that President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation in 1863, declaring the fourth Thursday in November as an official day to give thanks to God for his many blessings and provisions throughout the year. But did you ever stop to consider that Lincoln’s call for thanksgiving came while the country was involved in its bloodiest and only civil war?

“In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity,” President Lincoln found much for which to give thanks to God. Peace had been preserved with other nations, laws had been respected and maintained. The population of the country had continued to increase, farming and industry were thriving, and the country remained strong—all blessings that Lincoln attributed to “the Most High God.”

“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they [God’s gracious gifts] should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People,” President Lincoln wrote.

Thousands of years earlier another ruler had declared a day of thanksgiving and praise to God. King David, having just brought the Ark of God into Jerusalem, led the people in a celebration of thanksgiving with this song, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his miracles” (1 Chronicles 16:8, 9).

In David’s song, the people were instructed in how to give true thanksgiving: remembering what God has done; telling others about it; showing God’s goodness to others; and offering back to God gifts of service.

What can you do today to remember, tell, show, and serve as thanksgiving to God?

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done (1 Chronicles 16:8).

To Do

As part of your Thanksgiving celebration, read David’s song of thanksgiving in 1 Chronicles 16:7-36.

Also on this day

Today is National French Toast Day. Enjoy some!

1520—Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean after passing through the South American strait.

1919—American-born Lady Astor was elected the first female member of the British Parliament.

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.