“We rightfully treasure the founding documents of our nation. The Declaration of Independence by which our country was founded and the constitutions by which our nation and state are governed are highly valued and esteemed. Students memorize their content. Scholars study and teach their meaning. Attorneys pour over potential legislation to assure its agreement. Judges interpret and apply their principles to our current affairs and situations. These documents are vitally important to the history and current life of our nation.
“The Bible is also a document that has been highly treasured in our nation’s history. While our founding documents are indeed vital to the governing of our country, God’s Word has even greater importance for each of us as it reveals the very nature of God and what is required of those who would be right with Him. The vital importance of God’s Word is the main reason we seek to hold regular Bible studies in the Capitol. This year we will be considering a passage of Scripture that clearly shares the infinite value of God’s Word – Psalm 119. This chapter, the longest in the Bible, is wholly dedicated to the Word of God and its vital role in the believer’s life.”
This is the introduction to our first Bible study of the 2010 legislative session which begins this week. We will be holding at least two studies each week for all those serving in the capitol community:
- Lobbyists & Staff: Tuesdays at 12:00 noon (beginning January 12)
- Legislators & Elected Officials Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. (beginning January 14)
How can you pray for our leaders and for our ministry to them during this important time? As we study Psalm 119 we see an important prayer repeated often throughout the chapter – a prayer for God to grant understanding of His Word.
Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law. (vs. 18)
Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all
my heart. (vs. 34)
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments (vs. 73)
Paul made it clear that “…The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18) He reminds us that “…a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” (1 Cor. 2:14). It takes a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives for any of us to understand and respond to God’s Word.
- Pray that God will work in the hearts and minds of legislators, elected officials, lobbyists, and staff who might attend our studies or receive the study notes so that they might understand and respond to His Word.
- Pray for impact of the Bible study notes as they are distributed throughout the capitol in person and by email each week.
- Pray for opportunities for us to minister one on one as we visit throughout the session.
You can download a copy of our study notes here.
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