QUICK NAVIGATION
- Thursday, September 28
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is visiting Africa this week. He has been to Kenya and Djibouti and is now in Angola meeting with leaders to strengthen U.S. defense relationships. He also met with U.S. military personnel on his first two stops.
Brigadier General Pat Ryder said that Secretary Austin has made this trip “to underscore the United States’ commitment to building and reinforcing security partnerships with African nations and to promote African-led initiatives and regional solutions to security issues.”
The defense secretary recently stated, “China is expanding its military and economic footprint – and seeking to build bases in Africa and to undermine U.S. relations with African peoples, governments, and militaries. Meanwhile, Russia is peddling cheap weapons and backing mercenary forces.” Secretary Austin added, “We are committed to ensuring that Africa enjoys the protections of the international rules and norms that advance all of our safety and prosperity. And that gives the nations of Africa a clear-eyed choice of partners.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Austin to seek God’s guidance as he concludes his trip to Africa.
- For the president and his military advisors as the administration seeks to strengthen military alliances with African nations.
- For discernment for U.S. officials as they work to counter the military and economic influence of adversarial countries.
NEW Ministry Update Letter – READ NOW in GET DIALED IN
Our gift to you this holiday as we remember the true reason for the season with sacred and traditional Christmas music. LISTEN NOW!PRESIDENT’S SCHEDULE
- President`s Today Schedule – September 28, 2023
- 11:00 AM ET: The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
- 1:45 PM ET: The President delivers remarks honoring the legacy of Senator John McCain, and the work we must do together to strengthen our democracy
- 3:45 PM ET: The President participates in a campaign reception
- 5:00 PM ET: The President departs Phoenix, Arizona en route to Joint Base Andrews
- 10:05 PM ET: The President departs Joint Base Andrews en route the White House
- 10:15 PM ET: The President arrives at the White House
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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- Doris Matsui, Representative for California
Doris Matsui, Representative for California
- Born – September 1944 in Poston, Arizona
- Education – B.A., University of California-Berkeley
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Homemaker, lobbyist
- Political Experience – Deputy Director of Public Liaison Labor Department, Presidential campaign volunteer
- In office since – 2005
- Family – Widow of Bob Matsui, 1 son; married to Roger Sant
- Religious Affiliation – Methodist
- Doris Matsui, Representative for California
- The Right Focus
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. – Ecclesiastes 9:7
“For everything there is a season… A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). While the writer explains in this well-known passage that God is sovereign, he expresses the frustration: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). A generation comes, and a generation goes, but basically “there is nothing new under the sun” (vv. 4, 9).
The writer gives some advice, which commentator Tremper Longman II describes as the “carpe diem” passages. Seize the day – “Eat and drink and find enjoyment in [your] toil” (2:24). But to him, it is still vanity, a vapor.
In his book 31 Days to Happiness, David Jeremiah writes, “Unbelievers live sad half-lives… there is no reward, there is no motivation, no future, no genuine love or even hate… they finish their time under the sun and face only darkness. Believers, however, can live now in the fullest sense. We can do good things, enjoy life, and embrace hope under the sun.” Focused on the life to come in heaven, your outlook can be joyful on this earth.
Today’s verse is not just advice but an imperative. Dr. Jeremiah suggests that you “eat every meal as if at a banquet” because it is a time to acknowledge God’s provision. With a merry heart celebrate each day, for it is a gift from God. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
As a believer, you can set the tone for the day. Be the light in the darkness. Then, pray for those believers who walk the halls of government, that they shine brightly for the Lord.
Today’s Verse: Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
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: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
9 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
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.
