QUICK NAVIGATION
- Wednesday, August 19
Today is the deadline for President Donald Trump’s 50 percent tariffs to take effect on certain Canadian imports. The president announced a tentative trade deal with Canada on Tuesday evening.
Trade negotiators have been meeting in Washington, D.C., to discuss the tariffs and the USMCA agreement that was signed during President Trump’s first term.
The White House stated last month, “President Trump is taking action to hold Canada accountable for its continued discrimination against and unreasonable and unequal treatment of U.S. commerce that has burdened and disadvantaged hard-working Americans.”
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated earlier this summer that, unlike Mexico, Canada “has a different approach to the United States. They have some retaliatory tariffs still in effect, and that makes it a problem for us to negotiate.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For U.S. Trade Representative Greer and others on the administration’s trade team as they negotiate with foreign ministers and representatives.
- For wisdom for President Trump as he imposes and adjusts tariffs on U.S. trade partners’ imports.
- For the president and his military advisors as they assess the Middle East, particularly the situations in Iran and in Gaza.
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 • August 19, 2026
- 8:00 AM ET: The President participates in Executive Time
- 11:00 AM ET: The President participates in a Policy Meeting
- 12:30 PM ET: The President participates in a Policy Meeting
- 2:30 PM ET: The President delivers Remarks with Technology Leaders
- 4:00 PM ET: The President participates in a Policy Meeting
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 Brett Kavanaugh, U.S. Supreme Court
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, U.S. Supreme Court
- Born – February 1965 in Washington, D.C.
- Education – B.A., J.D., Yale University
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Attorney, judge
- Political Experience – D.C. Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, White House Staff Secretary
- In office since – 2018
- Family – Married to Ashley, 2 daughters
- Religious Affiliation – Catholic
- Justice Brett Kavanaugh, U.S. Supreme Court
- Patiently Waiting
He is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9
Small children often demand what they want impatiently. They lack the maturity to wait a short amount of time, and a few minutes may feel like hours or even days to them. As an adult sees a few minutes far differently than a small child, God’s perspective of time is vastly different than yours.
Peter spoke about this in his second letter to followers of Christ in western Asia Minor. He explained to the believers that “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). He was not necessarily referring to a literal thousand years but was explaining that God has the ability to see time with a perspective and intensity that humanity cannot. His timing is perfect, even when it may not feel that way to you.
God Almighty is patient, and this includes timing. The Lord wants to see all people repent and come to Him and, as such, is waiting longer than some believers may understand before He returns to Earth. What a glorious God! He is full of love and compassion for the world He created.
This is the Savior you serve. Take time to praise Him for this today. Ask Him to strengthen your faith, that you may trust His timing in all things, especially when the delay is difficult to comprehend. Pray that, with the time He has graciously given, multitudes will come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Today’s Verse: 2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
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: Psalm 90:1-4, 12-17
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You return man to dust
and say, “Return, O children of man!”
4 For a thousand years in your sight
are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night.
12 So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!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.
