QUICK NAVIGATION
- Monday, February 2
The House of Representatives is back in session after a recess. The Senate and House must hash out the divergences in appropriations for the remainder of the 2026 fiscal year, as a partial government shutdown began over the weekend.
The House Rules Committee, chaired by Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, meets today to consider legislation regarding critical minerals, the tax governance of the District of Columbia, and a resolution to hold former President Bill Clinton in Contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with the Oversight Committee’s subpoena.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., indicated that the TrumpRx website may finally launch in the coming week. The site, which will offer prescription medications at deep discounts, is expected to provide significant savings to those who lack health insurance or have high deductibles.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For House Speaker Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Thune as they seek to pass federal funding.
- For members of the House and Senate as they consider the remainder of the appropriations for 2026.
- For President Trump and members of his administration to seek the Lord as they implement foreign and domestic policies.
First Ministry Letter of 2026!
Our gift to you this holiday as we remember the true reason for the season with sacred and traditional Christmas music.PRESIDENT’S SCHEDULE
- President’s Today Schedule • February 2, 2026
- 3:30 PM ET: The President participates in Signing Time
As we lift up the federal government of United States of America, each day we will highlight one elected or appointed federal official serving in office. Pray with us for each of them as they tackle their unique responsibilities and fulfill their oaths of office.
TODAY’S NATIONAL LEADER FOR PRAYER
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- Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina
Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina
- Born – September 1966 in Washington, D.C.
- Education – B.A., Dartmouth College; M.P.P, J.D., Harvard University
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Attorney, politician
- Political Experience – Attorney General of North Carolina, North Carolina Senate
- In office since – 2025
- Family – Married to Anna, 3 children
- Religious Affiliation – Jewish
- Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina
- Loving Through Differences
Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. – Romans 14:19
There are over 200 denominations of Christianity in the U.S. today. Realizing this, it is no surprise that there are differences of opinion between those who call themselves “Christians,” particularly around matters the Bible does not address. The early church in Rome struggled with this issue, though their differences at the time were between just two groups: the Jews and the Gentiles. Nevertheless, Paul’s words in today’s verse are just as applicable to today’s churches.
In Romans 14, Paul outlines two major standards that all Christians should follow when interacting with each other. The first is that they should avoid judging believers with differing opinions. The second is that they should not pressure another believer into sin by going against their own conscience. This does not mean that all opinions are equally valid. Christians do not need to go against their own beliefs to please others, and obvious sin in a fellow believer should be pointed out in love.
The bottom line for Paul is love first. It is possible for Christians to have differing points of view about certain matters of daily life, while still following God’s command to love each other. In a time in U.S. history where division is everywhere, what a great opportunity for the Church – with its hundreds of denominations – to serve as an example of love and peace despite differences! Pray Paul’s words over the nation today, that the Lord would draw the hearts of legislators and citizens to focus on, abide in, and act with His love.
Today’s Verse: Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 4:11-21
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
