Dear Friends,

Nicole wanted to wear a Christian T-shirt to school, but she was nervous. “What if someone complains? What if I get in trouble with the principal?”

Thankfully, her mom had already researched the issue.

“According to the Equal Access Amendment, if any kid in school has a T-shirt that has any kind of non-school graphics or message on it, you can wear a T-shirt with a Christian message,” Nicole’s mom said. She explained that Nicole had many rights as a Christian student, so she didn’t need to be intimidated.

In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid (Ezra 6:3).

As the Israelites rebuilt the temple, they faced many hassles. However, they knew their legal rights. They knew King Cyrus had approved the rebuilding of the temple, and they had to educate the authorities who challenged them.

Challenge for Today: When unbelievers challenge your faith, don’t just give in. Know the facts and your rights. Don’t be afraid to politely claim them.