QUICK NAVIGATION
- Saturday, March 21
Today, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to hold a confirmation vote on Senator Markwayne Mullin, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Homeland Security Secretary.
The Senate has yet to pass legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security, whose appropriations expired on February 14. The Senate minority offered to separate funding for agencies such as FEMA, TSA, and the U.S. Coast Guard from those tasked with immigration enforcement.
Because of the pressure on air travel due to the partial shutdown, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “The chaos at TSA is reaching a boiling point. We need to reopen it as quickly as possible.”
“I want to get an agreement,“ said Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins of Maine. She said the White House had moved a long way toward the minority party’s requirements, “There are some issues that enjoy bipartisan support, such as more training [for federal immigration officers] and body-worn cameras.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Senate Majority Leader Thune as he presides over the upper chamber of Congress.
- For members of the Senate as they consider the confirmation of their colleague as the head of DHS.
- For wisdom for President Trump as he nominates individuals to federal posts.
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 • March 21, 2026
- 8:00 AM ET: The President participates in Executive 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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- Chief Judge Michael Chagares, Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
Chief Judge Michael Chagares, Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
- Born – May 1962 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Education – B.A., Gettysburg College; J.D., Seton Hall University
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Attorney, professor, judge
- Political Experience – New Jersey District Civil Division Chief, U.S. Assistant Attorney
- In office since – 2021
- Family – Married to Margaret
- Religious Affiliation – Undisclosed
- Chief Judge Michael Chagares, Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
- The Lord’s Influence
Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. – Proverbs 23:18
People are influenced by what they see and hear, though they may not be aware of how strong the influence is. Humanity changes from generation to generation with the pressures of society. Look at fashion, for example. Though women once wore ankle-length dresses, now standards of modesty have changed so that minimum coverage is generally accepted. Some in contemporary society have made a career out of being an “influencer,“ providing videos of their opinions on a wide variety of topics, including beauty tips, do-it-yourself projects, and travel. Political commentators addressing capitalism versus socialism, the sanctity of life over abortion, and the realities of biological sex regarding gender dysphoria are prominent in the online landscape.
Christians are to submit to God’s influence above all. The verse immediately preceding today’s verse is a prerequisite for the future and the hope that God desires for His people. “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 23:17). Some synonyms for zealous are enthusiastic, passionate, and fervent. Passionately put the Lord first and let Him be the deciding factor in your life. Jesus taught about the way His people should influence others with good works which glorify God, comparing them to salt that gives flavor and light to show the way (Matthew 5:13-16).
Be a positive influence on the people around you today. Seek the Lord in prayer for yourself, your family, and the country. Beware of political debates that divert your attention from the importance God has placed on loving Him and loving others. Pray for unity for the church and salvation for the lost, and that governing officials in the United States will align with what God desires for this nation.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 23:18
Surely there is a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.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: Matthew 6:25-34
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
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.
