February 16, 2012
The Texas Capitol Devotional
Likewise, was not Rahab, the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2.25-26
Why the Faith of Many Politicians is Worthless
No one likes a poser—someone who claims to be something they are not. Posers draw a reaction of disgust that is instinctive and universal. This reaction seems to derive from God’s disdain for phonies and fakes of all kinds. Note that Jesus’ sharpest rebukes were aimed at religious leaders that claimed Abraham as their father, yet had no evidence of authentic faith. They were posers living out a phony religiosity. In the verses above, James finalizes his passionate attack on phony religiosity.
These two verses serve as a punctuation mark on the passage beginning in verse 14 of this chapter with the rhetorical question, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” Having made his case with rationale, practical examples, and now here the second of two historical examples, he answers his own question with the warning that faith without works is dead. Authentic faith will always produce good works. As I referenced earlier in this study, reformer John Calvin said it this way, “It is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies can never be alone.”
Addressing primarily Jewish Christians, James’ choice of Rahab as an example of authentic faith is shocking for three reasons: she was a woman, a Gentile, and a prostitute. Yet it serves an example with which they would be readily familiar and clearly illustrates the inseparability of faith and action. Rahab’s faith led her to take a grave risk by hiding Israel’s spies and assisting in their escape. To put it plainly, her actions led to deliverance from destruction. If she had simply professed faith in God but failed to act as she did, she would have perished along with all the others in Jericho.
Eric Metaxas, author of two NY Times Best-Selling biographies, created quite a stir a few weeks ago at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. Speaking of Jesus’ disdain for phony religiosity, Metaxas said, “When he [Jesus] was tempted in the desert, who was the one throwing Bible verses at him? Satan. That is a perfect picture of dead religion. Using the words of God to do the opposite of what God does. It’s grotesque when you think about it. It’s demonic.” Yet how many times have you heard a politician attempt to use Scripture to justify themselves or their positions?
Metaxas went on to warn us, “Keep in mind that when someone says ‘I am a Christian’ it may mean absolutely nothing.” This sounds like a statement that flows naturally from James’ argument in this passage. As the spirit animates the body, so works animate faith. The body is dead, useless, and cannot do anything without the spirit. Likewise your faith is dead, useless, lifeless, and cannot do anything without works. This warning is not unlike that given by Paul when he warned Titus of phonies, “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him…” (1.16).
“God is not fooled,” Metaxas offered as a final warning. Remember also God’s disdain for posers. Does your political speech portray authentic faith or phony religiosity? Is there evidence in your life to back up your profession of faith? Let me ask it as you have likely heard it asked many times before, if you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
February 8, 2012
The Texas Capitol Devotional
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2.21-24
What Kind of Work Do You Do?
We often ask a new acquaintance, “What kind of work do you do?” The verses above raise a question about the nature and motivation of our “work.” Not our vocation, but our actions. Not what we do for a living, but what kind of life we live. It may be valid to speak of vocation by saying, “it is what I do, but not who I am.” But you could not rightly say regarding your actions, “those are just the things I do, but they are not who I am.” Actions reveal our will, character, thoughts, and feelings. They prove who we are.
The reformer, Martin Luther, stumbled at the words of James we read here. Luther’s emphasis upon salvation through faith alone caused him to miss James’ point here entirely. James was not writing about the means of our salvation, but its effects. James confronts an unnamed opponent attacking the false notion that faith and works can be separate. To illustrate his point, he marshals two Biblical examples before his readers—Abraham and Rahab. The idea that you can have faith without the evidence of works is inconceivable to James.
Above James writes of good works which flow from genuine faith. In contrast, works of the law carried out in the flesh are what result when we believe that we can justify ourselves before God. The writer to the Hebrews tells us that, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Works that flow from faith, that is, our trust in and obedience to God, please Him. Faith that prompts such work is accounted to us for righteousness. Faith also brings us into a relationship with God characterized as friendship.
The word rendered in these verses as “justified” carries two meanings in the writings of the New Testament. Paul most often used the word in reference to our salvation by faith in Christ. The believer is declared righteous before God by virtue of his faith in the finished work of Christ. James uses the word to mean vindicated or proven before men to be righteous. Paul’s emphasis was upon Abraham’s justification before God by virtue of his faith, whereas, James emphasizes Abraham’s faith being vindicated or proven before men by virtue of his offering of Isaac, his son, upon the altar.
So, what kind of work do you do? Not your vocation, but what kind of life do you live? What do your actions say about who you really are? Do your works originate in self-will? Are they carried out in self-effort? Are they aimed at self-promotion? Are they the dead works of the law? On the other hand, do they originate in faith? Are they carried out in the power of the Spirit? Are they aimed at promoting Christ?
Living a whole or undivided life is an indispensable characteristic of the Christian life. This is why James makes it a major theme of this letter. Are your actions consistent with the faith you profess? May God do whatever necessary in our lives so that we can answer that question with a resounding YES!
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
February 6, 2012
A Slower Pace
Given the heart "episode" after Christmas, I am easing into the new year and learning to keep a slower pace. The doctors, my family, and my own decreased stamina all compel me to slow down. The first week of January I drove to southeast Texas for speaking engagements and discovered how easily I am drained of all energy. I have also made a few trips to Austin and East Texas and made it to a few local events. The balance of my time this month was spent finalizing my 2012 budget with our national leadership and sifting through about 15 large boxes of books to reduce my library by about half. I mean, of course, the balance of my time not already taken up with doctor visits and very tame sessions on the elliptical machine. Pray for me that I learn to take things a little slower for a while.
Praises & Prayer Needs
God recently provided, through a generous ministry partner, an executive leather-top desk for my office. I had been working for over three years on a folding table with one of my wife's tablecloths on it. Quite the upgrade!
Please ask God to grant clarity and discipline regarding adjustments I must make to maintain my health. I'm not always the best patient.
Ask God to grant me continued favor among those whom God has called me to serve.
Pray for prudence in taking steps to replace the vehicle I use to travel the state doing ministry. The photo below taken on my last trip to Austin explains the need for something a little more dependable. May God guide all decisions regarding transportation for ministry.
This year will provide abundant opportunities to exalt Christ in the capitol community in Texas and serve the spiritual needs of our state's leaders. I look forward to working with all of you in reaching the capitol community for Christ!
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
December 30, 2011
Beyond My Wildest Expectations
As I look back on this year, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the many ways in which God's blessings upon the work of Capitol Commission in Texas have exceeded my wildest expectations. The fruitfulness of the ministry of the Word and the broadening and deepening of ministry among the leaders of our state served to make for a wild and exciting ride throughout the legislative session.
The month long special session was like getting an extra lap on your favorite roller coaster. The summer legislative conferences and fall fundraising banquets rounded out the most engaging, fulfilling, and productive year I have ever had. I feel so blessed to have so many of you as partners in this work!
An Unexpected Hospital Visit
Word has likely gotten around to many, but certainly not all of you, that I had to make an unscheduled visit to the hospital earlier this week due to a heart attack. I am now home resting well and taking all my meds, per doctor's orders. They were able to clear up the blockage in one artery Tuesday evening, and after one day in ICU and another in a regular room, I returned home last night for a little involuntary R&R.
Needless to say, the last few days have been a little unsettling for me and my family. I cannot begin to tell you how deeply comforting and encouraging all the calls, emails, and text messages from people all across the state have been to us. It is humbling to have so many caring friends.
Year-End Contribution
Many of you may be looking to round out your annual charitable giving with year-end contributions. While we have experienced the Lord's generosity through all of our ministry partners this year, we are still hoping to end the year strong if we are to cover all 2011 ministry expenses. You may make a contribution online by using the link on the right side of this message labeled Donate to Capitol
Commission or simply mail your check made payable to Capitol Commission Texas to:
Capitol Commission
PO Box 63118
Charlotte, NC 28263-3118
Any contribution postmarked or made online by midnight 12/31 will count towards your 2011 charitable contributions.
I thank the Lord for each one of you. Have a Happy New Year!...and I hope to see you soon.
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
November 21, 2011
Five Down ...
Since my last update six weeks ago I have hosted five partnership dinners across the state--Tyler, Lubbock, Amarillo, Ft. Worth, and Houston. I have hosted these dinners with the help of 33 State Representatives, a Senator, several county commissioners and city councilmen, and various business leaders. At every dinner those in attendance enthusiastically share with me how inspired they are by hearing of all that God is doing among state leaders and throughout the capitol community in Texas.
The opportunity to enlist others to join me in reaching the capitol community for Christ is encouraging and fulfilling. While the past several weeks have been as challenging a period as I have faced, I can barely believe how God has blessed with literally hundreds of new partners in the work. God continues to bless this work beyond anything I could hope.
...One to Go!
This Thanksgiving week will be a busy one as I complete preparations for our final Partnership dinner of the season. If you live in the Dallas area, please mark your calendar for next Tuesday, November 29, from 7-9pm at the Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco and join us for this inspiring evening.
The dinner is free to you, because state leaders, locally elected officials, and Christian business leaders from across the Dallas area have already generously provided the funds necessary for the dinner. Several of our state representatives will share about God's activity among state leaders and the capitol community in Texas. You can register now by clicking the link below.
2nd Annual Dallas Partnership Dinner
Tuesday, November 29, 7-9pm
Stonebriar Country Club, Frisco
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
September 30, 2011
New Date For Dallas Partnership Dinner
The date for the 2nd Annual Dallas Partnership Dinner has changed. The date has been moved from Tuesday, October 11 to Tuesday, November 29. The dinner will still be at the Stonebriar Country Club from 7-9pm. Now you have more time to invite others to join you at the dinner.
Please save this date and register online using the link below. See you there!
Register to Attend Now!
2nd Annual Dallas Partnership Dinner
Tuesday, November 29, 7-9pm
Stonebriar Country Club, Frisco
God Bless!
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
September 29, 2011
Save the Date!
Over the next two months, Capitol Commission Texas will be hosting six Partnership Dinners across the state with the help of dozens of State Representatives and a few Senators as well. These dinners will feature the ambiance of the finest venues in the state, uplifting music, encouraging testimonies from state leaders, and exciting reports of God's activity among the capitol community in Texas. There is no charge to attend the dinner, due to the gracious sponsorship of state leaders and Christian business leaders from your area. (If you are interested in sponsoring a table or providing corporate sponsorship, please contact me directly.)
These dinners provide a perfect opportunity to bring a friend along whom you believe might be interested in learning more about how we can reach the capitol community for Christ.
Register to Attend Now!
Take a moment now to click on the name of the dinner that is most convenient for you to attend and register. And please bring someone along who needs to learn about the work of Capitol Commission in Texas. Feel free to send the email along to others whom might be interested in attending the dinner.
2nd Annual East Texas Partnership Dinner
Tuesday, October 18, 7-9pm
Hollytree Country Club, Tyler
1st Annual Lubbock Partnership Dinner
Tuesday, October 25, 7-9pm
Lubbock Country Club
1st Annual Amarillo Partnership Dinner
Thursday, October 27, 7-9pm
The Amarillo Club
2nd Annual Ft. Worth Partnership Dinner
Tuesday, November 1, 7-9pm
The Ft. Worth Club
2nd Annual Houston Commission Dinner
Tuesday, November 15, 7-9pm
Westin Oaks Hotel
2nd Annual Dallas Partnership Dinner
Tuesday, November 29, 7-9pm
Stonebriar Country Club, Frisco
Thank You, Lord!
I close with thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ for His marvelous grace. May you all know His mercies, walk in His strength, and grow in intimacy with Him in these exciting days. I hope I'll see you at one of our dinners in the next few weeks.
God Bless!
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
August 23, 2011
I appreciate you taking a moment to catch up on all God is doing through the work of Capitol Commission in Texas. There is plenty of news and I'm excited to share it with you.
Legislative Conferences
During the first two weeks of this month, I participated in two of the primary annual legislative conferences attended by state leaders. This was my first time to attend a legislative conference. Capitol Commission was an exhibitor at the American Legislative Exchange Council's Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The following week I attended the National Conference of State Legislators in San Antonio, the largest national conference of its kind. These conferences provided great times of fellowship with legislators and countless opportunities to introduce leaders from across the nation to our ministry.
If You Can't Stand The Heat...Get Out Of The Kitchen!
Last week, my family and I were able to escape the record high temperatures in Texas. We had some time away for a much overdue family vacation in the mountains of Colorado. We had great fun and are now home and have jumped right back into the summer heat and, like most of you, we are ramping up for an action-packed fall.
Fall Partnership Dinners
Last fall, I hosted three Partnership Dinners that proved very effective in enlisting believers across the state to the cause of reaching the capitol community for Christ. I am in the process of nailing down dates and places for Partnership Dinners this fall--possibly as many as eight dinners this year! I will be sending out all the necessary information for you to take part in a dinner in your area in the next few weeks.
On the Road Again
Now, it is time to begin the regular routine of traveling the state of Texas. Next week I plan to be in East Texas, the following week in the Panhandle, and the week after that in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. The number of members with whom I have established relationships has at least doubled, which will increase the stops along the way. Though the logistics can become a little tedious, I thoroughly enjoy the one-on-one time with those whom God has called me alongside across this great state. May God make me a blessing to the leaders He has called me to serve.
Thank You!
I cannot help but conclude by expressing my gratefulness for the opportunity to serve in this great cause. Through your generosity and prayers, the Lord graciously allows me to minister the gospel to this very special group of people. My love for them and for each of you grows day by day as we serve together.
God Bless!
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
July 5, 2011
Allow me to share with you some good news that is long overdue.
About the time my last update was due to go out, the regular legislative session ended and the special session began the next day. The pace of these past several weeks has made it difficult to get this update out to you. The work of Capitol Commission in Texas over the past two months has been as fruitful a time as I believe I have ever experienced in ministry. Though I have never felt sufficient for this ministry, I have never felt my insufficiency more and yet seen God bless so much as during this time.
In the Members' Bible Study we finished a rich study in Philippians with record attendance right through the final week. During the four weeks of the special session we resumed the study in James that I had been writing in weekly installments during the past interim, which I call the Texas Capitol Devotional. Working around an unpredictable schedule, the studies continued to see strong attendance. Two of the four weeks of special session we were moved to a larger meeting room before getting started to accomodate the unexpected numbers. The special session also allowed for a lot of one-on-one fellowship and ministry.
(The Texas Capitol Devotional is a few paragraphs of exposition on a few verses of Scripture with an application tied closely to the responsibilities and pressures of state leaders. This weekly devotional goes out to those who request it throughout the interim. If you would like to receive the devotional just email me and let me know.)
My summary statement on the regular and special sessions would be, God has done great things! And I must add, it was a blast to be a part of it! Like most of those in the capitol community would attest right now, it was also very exhausting.
In the next few months, I'll be getting some much needed R&R with my family, catching up on administrative work from the session, attending a legislative conference or two, and beginning the usual travel around the state to do ministry. I must also put my fundraising hat back on after 6 months focused exclusively on ministry. Lastly, with fall approaching, I will begin preparations on our partnership dinners soon.
Please pray for this vital and vibrant work in Texas and the resources necessary to its continued effectiveness. God has been so faithful to provide what is necessary through partners like you over these first few years. We have every confidence He will continue to prove Himself strong on our behalf. Thank you again for your prayers and generosity in working with us to reach the capitol community for Christ!
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
April 14, 2011
Fast, Furious, Fulfilling, and Fun
Forgive the alliteration, but each of these words describe the pace of ministry during the legislative session. We are now 13 weeks into a 20 week session. The members of the legislature are keeping hours that few would believe possible. Between committee hearings, moving their own bills along, and long sessions on the floor, these folks have little time left over for things like eating and sleeping.
The overwhelming demands upon these legislators time make it doubly encouraging that we have seen attendance at the Members' Bible Study increasing in the past several weeks. The past three weeks have seen attendance averaging near 30 members. That is one out of every five members of the House of Representatives attending the Bible Study each week. More than one in four members of the Texas State Legislature have attended the Bible Study at some point this session.
Please Pray
There are several needs I would like to urge you to commit to prayer.
- First, there are several members this session who have lost loved ones close to them, faced devastating illness, and other serious challenges in their families or business.
- Second,please pray for my current transportation situation. I drive several thousand miles each month related to this ministry. My current means of transportation is a vehicle that has over 314,000 miles. I thank God for the means to get around to do ministry, but replacing this vehicle is going to become vital very soon.
- Lastly, pray for contributions to our operating budget. During session, I cannot afford to take time away from the capitol for activities related to raising the support necessary to this ministry.
Again, Thank YouLet me close my update once again by thanking those of you who stand with us in reaching the capitol community for Christ. This ministry is growing in depth and breadth on the prayers and resources God provides through your partnership. May He continue to bless and direct all we do.
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
February 24, 2011
Depth and Breadth of Ministry
I have heard it said that we are to take responsibility for the depth of our ministry and allow God to broaden our ministry. God has been gracious in allowing the work of Capitol Commission to grow deeper in regards to the relationships we have with legislators during the first seven weeks of this legislative session. As the weeks seem to race past, I find the discussion during our studies in Philippians going deeper into the text and into the life of a legislator in Texas. Beyond that, the personal times I share with legislators are characterized by a much deeper and more intimate sharing of life together.
At the same time, God has broadened our reach with increased attendance over last session. Thus far we have averaged 24 legislators in attendance each week at the Bible studies with 37 different members having attended at least one study or more. Relationships are developing with a great many state leaders on both sides of the isle who may never attend a study, and yet are open to the encouragement and prayer that our ministry provides. The same trends are present on the staff and lobby side of things as the depth of relationship and the number of those attending the study grows weekly.
Pastors' Commission to the Capitol
Preparations are well underway for our first Pastors' Commission to the Capitol here in Texas. On April 12, 2011 we will rally pastors from across the state of Texas to travel to the Capitol and prayer for and ministry to the leaders of our state. Expect to receive detailed information for the event in the next few weeks, but talk to your pastor now about saving the date on their calendar.
Your Partnership is So Important
I want to close by emphasizing how important each of you is to this ministry. I am encouraged by your commitment to pray for this ministry. It is a delight each time one of you contacts me when you're at the capitol and we are able to sit and visit about all the Lord is doing here this session or to visit a legislator's office together. Make sure and contact me if you're going to make a visit to the capitol. I thank God for your commitment to give as the Lord directs you so that we may endeavor together to reach the capitol community for Christ!
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
January 14, 2011
Week One of the 82nd Legislative Session
I am writing you today having just wrapped up my morning Bible Study with our
legislators. God has been gracious this week and we had 23 state representatives
attend our first study in Philippians, with 17 present at lunch yesterday and 6
this morning for the breakfast study. Fridays we will host a study open to staff,
lobbyists and all members of the capitol community. I am so encouraged by the
commitment of these legislators to make Bible study, fellowship, and prayer a
priority.
First Election Sermon
On the evening of the opening day of the 82nd Legislative Session of the State of
Texas, 197 people, including 22 members of the legislature, gathered for a special
election service. Freshman Representative David Simpson organized the event and it
was my privilege to officiate or emcee the service. Several pastors were involved
and Pastor Tim Brooks brought a sermon in the form of a Biblical charge to the
elected officials regarding the character and role of government. The service was
inspiring and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Time to Rally the Gallery Prayer Team
Beginning next week we hope to host individuals from across the state who will
commit a day to visit the capitol during this upcoming session and spend time in
the house and senate galleries praying for our state leaders. To join this effort,
simply email me at don.garner@capitolcom.org with the date you would like to pray. If you have communicated
interest in the past, could you do me the favor of sending me another email and
confirming that commitment. For all who email me to express their interest, we'll send
instructions for parking, how to set up a meeting with your State Representative
and Senator, and even take a tour of the capitol. You might check with your local
chamber or county organizations to see when they plan to visit the capitol and you
can ride along. You may also want to try to recruit a few from your church to come
along.
Thank You for Praying
God has been so faithful to go before us this week in initiating ministry during
this session. I know that, in part, this is a product of your faithful prayers on
behalf of this ministry. Continue to pray for the development of a Senate study,
for the growth of the house and staff studies, the Gallery Prayer Team, and our
efforts to host many of the pastors that visit the capitol to serve as "Pastor of
the Day" and open each day's session in prayer. Pray for me next Tuesday as I bring
the invocation for a joint session of our House and Senate. Keep praying for me and for the leaders of our state.
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
December 9, 2010
What a month!
Between October 26 and November 30 the ministry hosted its first partnership dinners in East Texas, DFW, and the Greater Houston areas. These three dinners had a combined attendance of over 400! Though the whirlwind of meetings, luncheons, dinners, email traffic and phone calls necessary to bring these dinners off was a challenge, mostly, it was an absolute joy. I made more new friends and partners in reaching the capitol community for Christ than I could count. Thanks again to the countless folks across the state who rolled up their sleeves and helped with these events.
Only 33 days...
The 82nd Legislative Session of the State of Texas begins on January 11, 2011. Last session, the first for Capitol Commission in the Texas Capitol, was all about getting off the launchpad and safely into flight. This session is going to be about broadening and deepening the work. We will offer a second study for House members and try to get a Senate study off the ground. The staff/lobby study will take on greater emphasis this session as we try to reach out to so many newcomers starting work in the capitol. A new daily devotional will go out to Texas legislators to supplement the weekly studies. We will be hosting many of the pastors who come to Austin to perform "Pastor of the Day" responsibilities. Add to that the advent of the Gallery Prayer Team.
What is the Gallery Prayer Team?
The Gallery Prayer Team will be made up of people from all over the state of Texas who will commit a day to visit the capitol during this upcoming session and spend time in the house or senate gallery praying for our state leaders. To join this team simply email me with the date you would like to pray. Then we'll send you instructions for parking, setting up a meeting with your State Representative and Senator, and taking a tour of the capitol. You might check with your local chamber or county organizations to see when they plan to visit the capitol and you can ride along. You may also want to recruit a few from your church to come along.
End-of-Year Contribution
So many of you have been generous with this ministry over its first two years helping this ministry to take root in Texas. Now, as we head into the intensive ministry of the legislative session, it is vital that we start the year with the resources necessary for the session.
Additionally, this ministry requires a great deal of travel, making reliable transportation an essential tool. I currently travel the state in a 1995 Chevy that has gotten a little rough around the edges. Will you join me in praying for an upgrade in transportation?
I've said it before and I'll say it again, we can't do it without you. Will you pray about an end-of-year contribution to help reach the capitol community for Christ?.
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
November 10, 2010
May I invite you to another dinner? The East Texas dinner exceeded our expectations, but we still have two more dinners to go. Please take a moment to read about the partnership dinners I am hosting in the DFW and Greater Houston areas.
1st Annual DFW Partnership Dinner
We have a seat for you on Tuesday, November 16 from 7-9 at our first annual partnership dinner at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. If you live in the DFW area or even if you don’t, we’d love to have you join us for this special evening. The generosity of many table sponsors enables us to make this invitation to you at no cost. Just let me know you’d like to come and you can enjoy this special eveningJust let me know you’d like to come and you can enjoy this special evening. Just click here and register online right now.
A Night to Remember
It is sure to be a fantastic evening. We will enjoy the Texas grandeur of the Gaylord Texan Resort, not to mention their delectable cuisine. Classic Praise will, once again, provide inspirational music. City Councilman Justin Wright will emcee the program. Matt Barnes, Capitol Commission’s Indiana State Director will share the vital work this ministry carries out in capitols across our nation. Several state leaders will testify to the impact of this work in Texas.
Pray For Abundant Fruit
Once again, may I ask you take a moment, even as you read this update, to pray that the Lord would lead us into His blessings in all the preparations being made for this event? Pray that the Biblical mandate for the work of Capitol Commission in Texas is clearly presented and that God’s people will respond as He directs.
Upcoming Greater Houston Dinner
The Greater Houston dinner will be at the Westin Galleria on Tuesday, November 30 from 7-9 pm. We have available seating for the Houston dinner at no cost to you. The costs have been covered by the generosity of our table sponsors, many of whom are your own state representatives. Contact me if you are interested in more information about this dinner.
Fruitful East Texas Dinner
The East Texas Partnership Dinner in Tyler two weeks ago was an amazing evening! We had hoped to have as many as 120 in attendance—we actually had 158. The fellowship, the direction of emcee, Jason Wright, the music of Classic Praise, the testimonies of several state representatives, and around 20 elected officials in attendance made for an electric time. My thanks to all those who sponsored tables and came to hear about Capitol Commission’s work in Texas.
Thank You
I am grateful for your prayers and participation in this ministry. God continues to deepen and broaden the reach of Capitol Commission in Texas. It is truly an honor to serve with you in this work>
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
October 19, 2010
May I invite you to dinner? Please take a moment to read about the partnership dinners I am hosting in the East Texas, DFW, and Greater Houston areas.
1st Annual Tyler Partnership Dinner
We have a seat for you on Tuesday, October 26 from 7-9 at our first annual partnership dinner at the Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler. If you live in East Texas or even if you don’t, we’d love to have you join us for this special evening. The generosity of many table sponsors enables us to make this invitation to you at no cost. Just let me know you’d like to come and you can enjoy this special evening. Just click here and register online right now.
A Night to Remember
It is sure to be a fantastic evening. We will enjoy the beautiful ambiance of the Willow Brook Country Club, not to mention their delectable cuisine. Classic Praise will provide inspirational music. City Councilman Jason Wright will emcee the program. Jim Young, Capitol Commission’s President will share the vital work this ministry carries out in capitols across our nation. Several state leaders will testify to the impact of this work in Texas.
Pray for Abundant Fruit
Will you take a moment, even as you read this update, to pray that the Lord would lead us into His blessings in all the preparations being made for this event? Pray that the Biblical mandate for the work of Capitol Commission in Texas is clearly presented and that God’s people will respond as He directs.
DFW and Greater Houston Dinners
Soon I will send an update with all the details for our DFW and Greater Houston dinners. The DFW dinner will be at the Gaylord Texan Resort on Tuesday, November 16 from 7-9 pm. The Greater Houston dinner will be at the Westin Galleria on Thursday, November 18 from 7-9 pm. Contact me if you are interested in more information about any of these dinners.
Thank You!
I am grateful for your prayers and participation in this ministry. God continues to deepen and broaden the reach of Capitol Commission in Texas. It continues to be my honor to serve with you in this work.
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
September 17, 2010
I trust you’ve had a good summer. Tracey and I celebrated twenty-five years of marriage in August in Winter Park, Colorado and it was one of the best weeks of our lives. But now we are back in the throes of our usual activities and I expect you are as well. Please take a moment to read about the ground we are gaining in increasing awareness and involvement in the work of Capitol Commission in Texas as we draw near to the start of another legislative session in January.
God continues to open up relationships with Christian leaders across Texas who recognize the biblical mandate to reach the capitol community for Christ. These relationships provide opportunities to speak about our work at a wide array of events. These opportunities are a continual source of encouragement as they broaden the reach of this ministry and deepen the engagement of those already committed to the cause. I will speak at a prayer gathering in the Tyler area next Tuesday, September 21 called Come Pray with Me! at which they are expecting as many as 2,000 people. Wow! The Lord is doing more to advance this work than I could have ever imagined.
The Lord has led in the preparations for several regional dinners to mobilize believers across Texas to the task of reaching the capitol community for Christ. The dinners will be held in Tyler, the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and the Greater Houston area. The dinner in Tyler will be held on Tuesday, October 26, and those in DFW and Houston will be in mid-November. I’ll finalize the dates, venues and speakers by the end of September. Please be praying for these events and watch for further communication about them. I hope many of you will be able to attend one of the dinners.
Things are really coming together in the formation of the Texas Capitol Prayer Team. Members of this team will carry out a vital project during the next legislative session. This project calls upon believers from across the state to travel to the State Capitol while the legislature is in session and spend time praying in the public gallery of the House and Senate. Consider this a short-term (one-day) missions project to reach the capitol community for Christ. This trip will provide a perfect opportunity to tour the capitol, meet your state representative and senator, and check out the capitol city. If you are interested in participating, please reply and I’ll get you on the schedule.
I am grateful for your partnership in this ministry. I could not do it alone. Keep the work of Capitol Commission Texas in your prayers. As the ministry grows, the resources required to do the work grows as well. God has been faithful to bring the increase thus far and I am eager to see the remarkable ways He will continue to do so in days ahead.
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
August 4, 2010
Back in April, I shared in a few paragraphs on what I believe to be every Christian’s responsibility—to honor those in authority and to pray for them, rather than disparage them. In providing feedback, a godly State Representative challenged me to take it a step further and discuss the believer’s responsibility to participate in the government process. Recently I have had several opportunities to clarify my understanding and articulate to others what I believe the Scriptures have to say about that very topic.
On Independence Day I had the opportunity to preach a message on Christian Patriotism at Parkway Baptist Church in McKinney, Texas, my home church. I have had several opportunities to address various Christian or political groups on the topic in the past few months, and just yesterday I was interviewed on an internet radio program, Grassroots America. Links to audio files for the sermon on Christian Patriotism and yesterday’s interview are below.
Click the following link to hear my sermon on Christian Patriotism. (This is a full-length sermon.)
Click the following link to hear yesterday’s interview on the weekly internet radio program, Grassroots America, in which I discuss the work of Capitol Commission in Texas. Be sure to start the player for the show dated 08-02-2010 listed under “Recent Shows.” You can click and drag the progress bar to around the 15 minute mark to catch my interview at the beginning. The interview is around 10 minutes long. Grassroots America
Now allow me to summarize the thesis of my sermon on Christian Patriotism and the Christian’s responsibility to participate in government in a paragraph.
Romans 13.7 provides a concluding imperative based on the preceding six verses, “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” This verse harkens back to Jesus teaching that we are to render to Caesar that which is Caesar’s. Whatever government authorities rightfully require of her citizenry, every citizen is compelled to provide, especially the Christian. As Americans, our form of government requires more than the payment of taxes; it is entirely dependent upon every citizen’s participation. As for participation, the Christian is compelled to participate in a way that is characterized by Christ-likeness.
May we all endeavor to be Christian patriots!
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
July 13, 2010
I have exciting developments to report regarding the growing list of ministry partners for Capitol Commission in Texas. It seems that so often my communication with you has reflected desperate need as we have worked to get this ministry off the ground. It is great to share with you a sense of victory as the ministry seems to be turning a corner in its development.
Enlisting others to the cause of reaching the capitol community for Christ is a fundamental part of my work as Texas State Director. Perseverance is essential, because there is usually a lag time between the efforts necessary to enlist new partners and their decision to enlist. This perseverance is fed by daily trust in God, enthusiasm for the cause, and diligence in the little things. Certainly, it requires seeing people…a lot of people.
As recently as May, we were behind in raising support by an amount equal to five times our monthly budget. In the span of a few weeks, we have seen God reduce our deficit to less than two months of our monthly budget. The enthusiastic reception I see among believers from across Texas to this cause is so encouraging. God has granted this ministry favor with leaders across the state and a momentum that bodes well for the upcoming 82nd Legislative Session.
I am grateful for so many of you whose generosity is enabling this ministry to thrive. There are many who have stood with us as we have labored to see this ministry launched in Texas. The prospect of catching up on our budget has for so long looked to be in the far distant future. Yet, with recent gains, it looks like becoming “current” is within reach before the year’s end. The work of Capitol Commission in Texas seems to be shifting from that of a start-up ministry to an established and thriving ministry.
There remains much work to be done. We must raise somewhere in the neighborhood of $55,000 by the end of the year to make budget. With much prayer and diligence, we can do it. I pray that if you are not already a part of the team, you will join with us in this exciting work of God among the leaders of our state. The opportunity to impact the lives, not just of government leaders, but people all across the state of Texas lay directly before us. May God grant us all the fortitude and passion to make the most of it!
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
June 7, 2010
I can truly say, as the apostle Paul did, that “a wide door for effective service has opened to me.”
I feel more fulfilled than ever to serve as a catalyst for the advance of the gospel and the building up of believers among state legislators, lobbyists, legislative staffers, political consultants, agency personnel, city and county officials, judges, and all of those who are part of the political community in Texas. I am humbled by the relationships that continue to develop with the leaders of our state and the many “divine appointments” the Lord sets before me. God continues to significantly deepen and broaden the reach of Capitol Commission in Texas. Next year’s legislative session is going to be an exciting ride!
Does your church have a missionary to the Texas State Capitol? It is likely that it doesn’t and I would like to ask you to help me fill that role. Throughout the rest of this year, I have made it a priority to build relationships with churches across the state. My goal is to help churches connect to the capitol community. By introducing me to your pastor, missions director, or some other key church leader, you can help me to become your church’s missionary to the capitol.
Could you make a short-term mission trip (one day) to the Capitol in Austin during the next legislative session? I am organizing an effort to schedule several intercessors each day who will pray for at least an hour in the house and senate gallery. If you have an interest in signing up for one day at the capitol as an intercessor, please reply to this email and simply state your interest in visiting the capitol to pray for state leaders in the gallery. And if you haven’t subscribed to my daily email prayer reminders, do so now by simply clicking the link: www.texascapitolprayerteam.blogspot.com, enter your email address and click the submit button.
Finally, I want to thank all of you who have become partners with us to reach the capitol community for Christ through your involvement and generous contributions. By helping us to raise the resources necessary to pursue this ministry you play a vital role in the advance of the gospel among many of the most influential individuals in Texas. As we are still in the midst of start-up, we have much work to do in raising the necessary level of support. We are confident that, as the Lord makes you able, many of you will contribute for the first time and those who have been giving will remain faithful in doing so. We truly couldn’t do this ministry without each of you whom God brings along side of us.
Blessings,
Don Garner
State Director, Texas
April 15, 2010
It is tax day and I trust we have all grown from our annual pilgrimage through the intricacies of the U.S. tax system (yes, you should note a hint of sarcasm). Tax season rolls around each year and as believers we have to remind ourselves that Our Lord taught us to “render therefore to Caesar those things that are Caesar’s.” Now is a good time to reorient ourselves to a Biblical mindset toward civil government.
Government, for all its problems, is part of God’s created order. Government exists because it has been granted a jurisdiction, a sphere of authority, from none other than God Himself. Romans 13 teaches that all government leaders derive their authority from God. I Peter 2.13-17 teaches that believers are to submit themselves to government authority for the Lord’s sake. Government leaders are God’s servants to reward those who do good and punish those who do evil. And in 1 Timothy 2. 1-7, Paul exhorts Timothy, the young pastor of the church at Ephesus, to lead the church to pray for kings and all who are in authority.
Let’s give further consideration to Paul’s words. The end of these prayers is that believers lead a quiet and peaceable life and that unbelieving government leaders come to faith in Christ. Rather than being characterized as quiet and peaceable, it seems that many Christians are among the loudest and most agitated protestors of government leaders. Today, the posture of most evangelical churches toward government is one of antagonism—not a relationship likely to gain a hearing for the gospel . Evangelicals are portrayed today as bigoted hot-heads always crying foul while trying to cram their out-dated religious views down the entire nation’s throat. Maybe that portrayal is more accurate than we would like to admit. Maybe this prayer thing that Paul wrote about is more important that we realize.
Let today, April 15, mark a fresh commitment on your part as a follower of Christ, to pray for those in authority. In doing so, may you be characterized by quiet and peaceable attitudes toward government leaders and a deep concern for their spiritual condition. I want to help make it easy for you to become faithful in this kind of praying. I have a practical way I want to help.
Simply click on the following link: www.texascapitolprayerteam.blogspot.com. I have set up this page on the web to allow you access to several government leaders you can pray for each day. Over the course of two months, you will pray for those in the executive, judicial, and legislative branch of both U.S. and Texas government. On this page you are invited to receive each daily installment of the prayer list by email. Signing up will mean that you will receive a daily email reminder to pray for government officials, providing you with the names of four or five leaders to pray for that day. Also, I have provided a link to each government leader’s official website in the email. Opening each daily email and praying for four or five leaders by name will take only a few seconds out of your day, but it will return huge dividends from an eternal perspective.
I invite you to click on the link and take a few seconds to sign up today to receive the daily reminders. One of my priorities for ministry this year is that believers across the state of Texas be mobilized to pray for government leaders. I hope I can help you to take up this responsibility as a believer to pray. I hope the Texas Capitol Prayer Team website helps many of you to do this in 2010 and beyond.
Blessings,
Don Garner