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Daniel 3:12 – There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (KJV)
On the day of our final exam in the university, it is a tradition that we each wear a spotless, shining, white vest, called a "white", and carry a permanent marker to sign on each other's white. Once we begin our journey to our hostels, anyone who sees us may choose to ask for our marker to sign on our white — strangers and friends alike. Afterwards, we have those white vests filled with signatures as mementoes of the day that we dropped our pens. This seems to be a nice tradition and fun way of rounding up years of reading, sleepless nights, and travails, but the story doesn't end there.
I had my own opinion about this tradition: it didn't resonate well with me. So, on that last day of exams, I chose not to wear a white vest. Instead, I wore a purple vest. I felt that it was hypocritical to carry a marker around for people I never knew to sign. Also, because I am an introvert, I felt that it was too stressful. So, there I was in my purple in a sea of white. Various people were asking for my white vest. Even one of the invigilators asked me, "Where is your white?" At that moment, I understood how hard it is to stand against what everyone else is standing for; it was hard.
Listening to a sermon about the three Hebrew men who didn't bow down to the idol made me remember this event. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remained standing when hundreds of thousands — if not millions — were bowing. Everyone could see them literally standing for their conviction. Today, this would be true Christianity. In essence, they said, "If we die, we die, but we will not worship an image." I just feel pumped thinking about that — such courage!
These days, most people think that it's best just to conform to what others are doing in other to avoid insults and discrimination. But the Bible shows us how we should behave: we should stand for the truth. Is it at home? In school? At the workplace? At a reunion event? Or even at church? Maybe your spiritual leader is going against what the Scripture says. Please build up courage and stand like these Hebrew men.
Stand and speak like they spoke to Nebuchadnezzar, with conviction and courage. God will give you the wisdom that you need. Standing against everyone and for the truth will not be easy, but the truth will set you free.
Prayer: Father, give me the courage to stand for the truth at all times. Amen.
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Friday, June 28, 2024 – In Canada — Most of the youth we coach are immigrants who are Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, animist or irreligious. I am sharing the gospel of Jesus to an audience of mostly energetic Junior High youth. Pray for their salvation and for believing kids to share with their friends. Pray also for a Bible study we are doing for Muslim youth to share Christ through a study of prophets from Abraham to Moses to David and how they prophesized the coming of Jesus the Messiah.
Sister: "Update June 27, 2024: There’s has been a setback; his bloodwork won’t allow his..." 
Thanks for sharing, John.
Thank you for sharing the truth in scripture.
What is the truth? That is the problem.
Thank you, John. This is a much-needed encouragement in today’s world.
Thank you, John.
Blessings.
Thank you, John, for your devotional…we need to remember but sometimes it is easier said than done, right?
(Texas, USA)
Good afternoon, John,
You are so right, many people just go along with crowd, everyone is doing it, is their justification.
Thank you for your good words.
John,
This is a good message with a great example from the Bible. It is difficult to stand up for what you believe when others don’t. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
Thank you, John, for your interesting and testifying devotional today. I praise you for doing what you felt comfortable doing in wearing the purple vest. Yes, it is important that we faithfully show our love of the Lord and not lack courage in doing so. Blessings for writing.
Thank you, John, for the reminder. My Mother taught me the importance of this fact when I was very young. I have tried always to live by it. Although sometimes it was hard, and I would go along with the crowd as the years went by, I grew stronger in standing up for my convictions, even when it meant losing friends and angering folk. Kudos to you in the vest situation! Congratulations on graduation whenever it was!! God bless.
John, What a treasured memory you have, your own personal experience in resisting the trend! It may seem small and minor, but it has served you (and now us all) as a powerful reminder of God’s costly calling in our lives.
In my earlier years, being a good compliant citizen was the equivalent to being a good compliant Christian. It’s no longer that way. But, oh how hard it is to surrender our need for social approvals and validation. We so fervently want to feel like we belong.
May God loosen us from our dependency on earthly attachments so that we are free to be who we are meant to be – even in the “fiery furnace”.
(Canada)
Good morning!
Good for you not to give in to the white vest!!! Amazing, it would be interesting to find out how many others wished they would have worn purple also?? It is true, the Word tells how God wants us to be and rewards our faithfulness in many ways. The church I belong to back in Canada stood on the Word and did not side in with the other churches that bowed down to worldly thinking. Wow! The attendance in church is incredible, close 100 children each Sunday for S.S. and Kid’s camp this summer already has a high attendance request. God is faithful, He rejoices over us, and I am so thankful He loves me, and I love Him.
Have a blessed day!
John – What a powerful message you bring us. Many thanks.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. To God be the glory! Blessings.
Very meaningful!! Thank you!
God bless you John, for this encouraging write up. May God give us the needed strength to stand against all odds.
(Nigeria)
Unusual custom! Thanks, John, for sharing this meaningful devotional, encouraging us to stand up and speak up for our beliefs.
(BC CA)
Courage brother as you continue to stand.
Peace be with you!
Thanks for an important challenge.
May the LORD bless you.