The 114th Session of the Tennessee Legislature has begun. There have been many ministry opportunities to encourage, inspire and pray for and with Leaders, even as political divide and disagreement unfold and become the pattern of our current America. Tennessee has a great potential to mitigate that tension and do good work and above all, champion Kingdom grace and cooperation. As I serve the governmental leadership in Tennessee, there is reason for much hope, and I pray for that continually. I trust you do as well.
Here’s one reason why I have that hope: there are Members from both parties who every week come to our Bible Study which is a deep dive into the leadership of Nehemiah, and he begins with empathy, integrity, humility, prayer, and then… action directed by God! Imagine if ALL our government leaders were to follow that pattern, calling for the collective will and voice of the people to be about a greater calling to build rather than fight? Here’s what he records in chapter 1: “I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God…”
This is the kind of witness that is being carried out in Tennessee and by my colleagues across America! Capitol Commission continues to believe that God’s first line of intervention for our country is spiritual, not political. Every day in the Legislature, I walk the halls and engage staff, lobbyists and Members in Gospel conversations, offering prayer, counsel and biblical truth for life. Only God knows how the labors of His servants bear fruit and are used to reach people in the highest realms of government, so that we each may continue our personal witness to those HE has placed in our path. No matter what happens governmentally, we always have that privilege and responsibility until He sends His Son to culminate this era of history.
Here are things we have planned this Session and for which your financial and prayerful support will be critical in making the difference:
Tuesday morning Bible study for Members.
Weekly Wednesday morning Capitol Devotions with some of the area’s best speakers. Among those featured are: Dave Ramsey (Ramsey Solutions), Brad Gray (Walking the Text), Dr. Herb Byrd (Vice President UT), Jim Thomas (Village Chapel and pastor to Keith and Kristen Getty), Dr. Reginald Boyce (pastor and staffer to the Mayor of Memphis) and many others.
Breakfast and Books – an encouragement event for the Members and staff of the Legislature, featuring a free devotional book and a personalized Bible for every Member!
I am grateful for every person who remembers us in prayer, knowing that “unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain that build it!” If God so guides you, we would be most thankful for your financial support at this critical time. Just click the donate button.
On a final personal note – our youngest son Ben, who is special needs and intellectually limited, recently expressed a desire to be baptized in our church. It was a joy to us, him, and our church family. You may enjoy how God uses the simple things to confound the wise…
For His Glory,
Rev. Bill Geisel, Capitol Commission Tennessee State Minister
Capitol Commission is delivering the teaching of God’s Word to our Capitol leaders, their staff, and even more of the Capitol community. Through a resolute pastoral presence, we are seeing legislators turn to Christ and embrace the truth of God’s Word. Our boast is not in ourselves but in the power of God through his gospel and Word. There is good news coming from our Capitols!
