QUICK NAVIGATION
- Friday, January 16
President Donald Trump’s establishment of a Second Emergency Board goes into effect today to investigate and report on the disputes between the Long Island Rail Road Company and union labor organizations.
The First Emergency Board was terminated after its recommendations were not accepted by the disputing parties. The Railway Labor Act (RLA) provides the guidelines under which such disputes should be handled.
Under the RLA, “within 30 days after the creation of the Board, the parties to the disputes shall submit to the Board final offers for settlement of the disputes” and then, “within 30 days after the submission of final offers for settlement of the disputes, the Board shall submit a report to the President setting forth the Board’s selection of the most reasonable offer.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the chair and members of the Second Emergency Board to seek God’s wisdom as they investigate the railway labor disputes.
- For the Lord to guide President Trump in his attempts to improve the nation’s economy and trade.
- For the president and officials in his administration to be discerning in their actions to increase national security.
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 • January 16, 2026
- ET: TBD: The President departs The White House en route Palm Beach, FL
- 10:00 AM ET: The President participates in The Great, Historic Investment in Rural Health Roundtable
- 3:15 PM ET: The President participates in the Southern Boulevard Dedication Ceremony
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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- Justice Samuel Alito, U.S. Supreme Court
Justice Samuel Alito, U.S. Supreme Court
- Born – April 1950 in Trenton, New Jersey
- Education – A.B., Princeton University; J.D., Yale University
- Military Service – U.S. Army
- Profession – Attorney, judge
- Political Experience – Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey
- In office since – 2006
- Family – Married to Martha-Ann, 2 children
- Religious Affiliation – Catholic
- Justice Samuel Alito, U.S. Supreme Court
- Filled With Joy
All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. – Daniel 4:35
Humans are often unaware of how awesome God is. He created the universe. He is eternal, all-powerful, and all-knowing. He is present everywhere at once. Comparatively, adding up all humans who live, ever have lived, and the ones who will live in the future, as today’s verse says, they add up to nothing. However, God loved the world so much that He gave His son (John 3:16). Because God made and values humans, each individual has value.
What God says goes. Joyful humans are those who yield themselves to Him. In the sermon on the mount, some translations, such as Young’s Literal Translation, render “blessed” as “happy.” Who are these joy-filled ones that Jesus talks about in Matthew 5? The humble who rely on God’s strength. Those who receive God’s comfort when they suffer loss. Those who are content with what God gives them. Those who find fulfillment in doing God’s will. Those who are kind to others and receive God’s kindness. Those who have a godly heart and mind and who can recognize God’s intervention in their lives. Those who remember they are part of God’s family and treat others that way. Those who stand up for God despite opposition.
Though the Lord is higher, greater, and more wonderful than anyone can imagine, you do matter to Him. He hears and answers your prayers. Bring your goals and plans, cares and concerns, and those for the nation to Him in all confidence. Do you want this new year to be a joyful one? Meditate on Matthew 5, considering how to put these truths into practice. Replace obsessions of worries and hardships with meditations on God’s goodness and love.
Today’s Verse: Daniel 4:35
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand
or say to him, “What have you done?”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 5:1-12
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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.
