For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth! …King of Kings and Lord of Lords! And He shall reign for ever and ever! Hallelujah!
Things have been buzzing at the Capitol since the beginning of the current legislative session. Of the 12-14 senators who attend our weekly Bible study, over half of them are committee chairs. One of them said, “Sometimes people ask me if I enjoy being a senator. Honestly, much of the time I do not enjoy it, but the Holy Spirit has reminded me that this is where God has placed me, so I say, ‘I am glad to be where God wants me to be.’” Often, the senators begin their day before the legislature actually begins and then work long into the evening hours. As you can imagine, it is very exhausting and can be very discouraging. I am doing my best to encourage their hearts through Scripture and prayer.
Study of Joseph Encourages
Our studies on the life of Joseph are going well. Long before the temptations came, Joseph purposed in his heart to do right. He submitted to God which enabled him to resist the devil. Recently, we discussed how Christians must determine ahead of time to do right, place safeguards in place, and actively resist the temptations that Satan continues to flaunt. Many of the men and women in attendance commented on how much the study challenged their hearts.
Attendance Continues to Increase
On Wednesday, January 18, twenty-six staff members braved the sleet, snow, and wind to walk two blocks from the Capitol to the State Office Building. This was our highest attendance thus far. We wondered how many would come since a vendor has taken over the Capitol cafeteria, and we can no longer meet there. Please praise God for continuing to bring new attendees.
As is frequently the case, times of trial come after times of blessing. On January 19, Common Cause Nebraska filed a complaint with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, saying I needed to file as a lobbyist because I was attempting to influence legislation. An article in regard to this complaint appeared in the Nebraska Examiner, and subsequently, was carried by several newspapers across the state. I would appreciate your prayers as I am required to respond to these allegations. I have a great deal of support from the Capitol community and across the state, for which I am very grateful. Please pray that my response, as well as the outcome, will bring God glory.
Other Prayer Requests
On another personal note, Anne Marie and I would appreciate your prayers for our daughter, Sarah, as she heads to South Korea on February 24. She will begin an immersive language study program to enable her to begin a biblical counselling ministry to those who have been trafficked or are in other vulnerable positions. We will miss her greatly but are grateful she desires to follow God’s will for her life.
We have felt the need for prayer more than ever in these past few weeks. Thank you for interceding on our behalf. Thank you, too, for your financial gifts. As the attendance has grown, so have the expenses for the printing of the studies and the provision of the meals.
Striving together for Him,
Arin Hess, Chaplain and President
Capitol Studies
Email: arin@capitolstudies.org
Phone: 402-770-6270
I shall speak Thy testimonies before kings, and shall not be ashamed!
Psalm 119:46
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