The Word of God is alive and powerful.
So why does it seem like it’s always so hard to make time for? Maybe to some of us it’s challenging to read, or seemingly irrelevant for daily life – let alone relatable to marriage.
You’re not alone. Ryan and I constantly face challenges reading God’s Word. It’s one of the most powerful resources God’s given us.
So why wouldn’t the enemy want to deter and distract us from daily, undisturbed, un-rushed time with our King? Even he knows the importance of God’s Word for our lives and specifically for our marriage.
The Real Power
Hebrews 4:12-13 is a verse that is etched in my heart and thumps me over the head when a few days slip by and I haven’t cracked my bible.
Verse 12, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (13) And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”
Slightly scary, but overall, encouraging right? God’s Word is the mirror that reflects the good, the bad and the ugly that isn’t visible to the human eye.
All the selfish motivations you thought no one would ever know about; the secret agendas, and the deep rooted anger or bitterness – yep, God’s Word shows reveals it all. Funny how we try to ignore it or chalk it up to, “But I’m really not that bad.” (aka, the comparison game — spoiler alert: you’ll always lose.)
Truth is, we all fall short (Romans 3:23) and it’s only by His love and grace that He doesn’t let us stay that way.
What the Bible is ALL about
The entire theme and message of the bible is a love story from God to us. He wants nothing more than to be our God; to be in relationship with us – the undeserving sinner.
He loved us so much that He sent and sacrificed HIS Son – His ONE AND ONLY Son (John 3:16). Not some powerful angel or a seemingly “good” human – but HE sent himself!
The buck stopped with him and no where else in the world will you find a truer example of grace, love, compassion and life than in Christ who sought to obey and glorify his Father while completing the ultimate act of love for a race destined for eternal death.
Reading and Understanding the Bible
The message is simple but is so often misinterpreted.
Often times it’s the “easier” verses that catch us off guard…be cautious! Some of the most popular verses that are floating around society today are some of the most misinterpreted verses (e.g. Jeremiah 29:11; Phil. 4:13).
Understanding the time and context will help keep you from proof-texting. Simply put, it means you’re using text (in this case scripture) as proof for an argument or a point, only to the extent of which it’s advantageous to prove the argument, often times ignoring time and context.
A quick example: Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Now if you study the time and place where this was written (a GREAT way to also learn more about the history of the bible as there are messages of love, redemption and grace intertwined), you will notice that Paul isn’t ranting about how he can do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING he chooses because God gives him strength to do it…far from this actually.
If you look at the previous verse, it lays the foundation for why, and exactly what Paul is communicating in verse 13.
Phil. 4:12 (ESV) – “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
What Paul is really communicating is how he is able to endure and exist and continue preaching the gospel no matter the circumstances. Why? Because his strength, joy, hope and contentment is ALL found in Christ. Not whether or not his belly is full, or he has a place to sleep, but because Christ is his source.
Preview of Part 2
In Part 2 Ryan and I share the importance of the Bible in our lives, why it’s ALWAYS relevant and is the first thing we turn to when making big decisions together. We also talk about who Jesus is and how to know him through the Word.
Through knowing Jesus we are better-equipped to fight fiercely for our marriage.
Still Struggling?
If you’re struggling with getting into the Word then pray that God would begin developing a hunger and thirst in your spirit for His Word. Maybe connect with other believers and get some accountability in place. Meet together one morning to pray, read, write and share.
God’s Word is alive, never underestimate the power behind it. He is faithful and true.
We are in prayer with you! Now go get ’em fierce warriors!
Click to read part 2 of this post –>
Question: Do you and your spouse struggle with reading your bible? Explain?
Have you heard of the The 31-Day Pursuit Challenge?
Every marriage begins with passion, purpose, and pursuit, but few stay that way. That’s why we wrote Husband in Pursuit and Wife in Pursuit Together, they make what we’re calling the 31-Day Pursuit Challenge. Couples are encouraged take the challenge together. We’re already starting to hear stories of transformed marriages! Are you up for the challenge?
