QUICK NAVIGATION
- Sunday, February 22
The White House proposed a new set of cargo taxes on goods that will be entering the U.S. to help fund an increase in domestic commercial shipbuilding.
The proposal, known as the “Maritime Action Plan” or MAP, included a report from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought. The fees would be imposed on all foreign-built commercial vessels bringing products into U.S. ports. This tax could raise anywhere from $66 billion to $1.5 trillion over the next decade.
The White House stated, “The MAP calls for policies that modernize government procurement processes and streamline regulations to accelerate shipbuilding and reduce costs. By streamlining regulatory processes, strengthening interagency coordination, and providing reliable long-term funding and demand for U.S.-built ships, shipyards, and mariners, America will rebuild maritime strength at the speed and scale required to meet the challenges of today and the future.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For President Trump to be led by the Lord as he endeavors to increase the domestic product of ships.
- For Secretary Rubio and Director Vought as they work to support the United States’ shipbuilding infrastructure.
- For wisdom for members of Congress as they consider the Maritime Action Plan.
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 22, 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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- Ben Black, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
Ben Black, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
- Education – B.A., University of Pennsylvania; M.B.A., J.D., Harvard University; L.L.M., New York University School of Law
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Investment executive, businessman
- Political Experience – Naval War College Foundation board member, Council on Foreign Relations term member
- In office since – 2025
- Family – Undisclosed
- Religious Affiliation – Undisclosed
- Ben Black, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
- Highest Calling
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3
Billy Sunday was born in a log cabin during the Civil War. His father was a Union soldier who died when Billy was only a month old. At age 15, Billy worked several jobs before getting recruited to play professional baseball by pitcher and club owner, Albert Spalding, founder of Spalding Sporting Goods. Billy played for the Chicago Stockings from 1883 to 1891 and became one of the most popular athletes in the nation. In 1887, he and his teammates were walking the streets of Chicago after drinking a few beers. Billy heard an old gospel hymn sung at a street corner meeting of the Pacific Garden Mission. He began attending services and cultivated a relationship with the Lord.
In 1889, Billy preached his first sermon as an evangelist. He went on to pioneer radio broadcasting so enthusiastically that the FCC was formed in response. During the next 46 years until his death, over 100 million people heard Billy share the gospel through the airwaves. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson even met with him. But Billy understood his greatest calling was evangelism. He once said, “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.”
When you genuinely realize how much God loves you, the greatest gift you can share with others is the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, wherever you go, consider the interests of others first. Seek opportunities to invite others to spend eternity with God. Pray also for the salvation of your local and national public officials, that they too will know His incredible love and mercy today and forever.
Today’s Verse: Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
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: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.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.
