Ethics & Religion
Column #2039
September 10, 2020
Couple Bible Study
By Mike McManus
For
decades my wife and I set aside time for devotions and prayer. This
includes reading Scripture daily. Recently we have started using the
Couples' Devotional Bible (Zondervan) that is tailored for
couples like us who want to grow in the Lord together.
It is designed to apply the Bible's teaching to everyday life. More
importantly, it helps couples to better bond through the joys and
challenges of marriage. And it enables us to connect with one another
daily in the Lord. When the weather is good, we go outside to read in
God's sunshine or shade.
Each chapter of the Bible begins with a one-page summary of the life and
goals of the writer of a particular book of the Bible. In recent weeks,
my wife and I read all of Ezra the prophet who oversaw the
reconstruction of the Lord's temple in Jerusalem about five centuries
before Christ. Then we moved on to Nehemiah, a next generation leader
who oversaw the reconstruction of the city's walls that had been
destroyed.
Neither of us had ever read either prophet's writing.
We learned that Nehemiah, who had been cupbearer to the Persian king,
wept when he heard that Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem without
walls "were defenseless." Nehemiah had to motivate people "who had given
up, combating mean-spirited neighbors who opposed the project."
Once the physical work was done, our Devotional Bible
reports "Then the job of rebuilding the spiritual boundaries of the
people began." It then adds, "We too need walls to maintain a Godly
focus.. When we separate ourselves from the unholy influences of the
culture around us (pornography, infidelity, overspending, etc.) we are
better able to follow Christ."
Before the Biblical text begins, the Devotional Bible
features a page, "Rekindling Our Connection" that helps couples reflect
on their relationship. The book asks, "What might our marriages need
protection from, and what kinds of safeguards can we put in place?
Infidelity. Now there is an obvious (though not necessarily fatal)
poison in a marriage. One way to protect our marriage from that threat
is to intentionally include our spouse in any friendships we have with
members of the opposite sex."
The text gives an example of Tucker and Gigi who had lost interest in
each other's lives. "So they made a commitment to daily ask one question
about something the other cared about." Gigi gave an example: "What are
you thinking about the novel you are reading?" That one simple
discipline has gone a long way "to rebuild intimacy between them."
In a section of the page called "Talk," several questions are asked:
"What outside forces threaten our intimacy? What fences can we put up to
keep those forces at bay?
What possible aspects of our marriage do we want to hold on to? What can
we do to build walls around our marriage to help keep these good times
in?
Have we suffered a breach in the walls around our marriage? If so, what
can we do to rebuild them?"
One quote from Nehemiah itself is relevant: "Then I said to them: 'Come
let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in
disgrace.' They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.'"
Thus, the Couples' Devotional Bible could be a tool to help
you build a stronger, lasting marriage. However, two things are more
important.
First, agree as a couple to set aside time to read Scripture together
every day. This will add moral and spiritual depth to your marriage.
Second, take advantage of a book such as the Couples' Devotional
Bible to illustrate how Scripture can inspire you to build a
marriage for life.
Why not add these elements to your marriage so that it is built upon the
Lord? You will then find your marriage enhanced. What is the value of
becoming a student of the Bible?
Most healthy couples are close physically and emotionally. Sharing
couple time with a Bible adds an important spiritual element. Feelings
come and go. But a daily common faith component adds a spiritual depth
to your relationship.
If you invite the Lord to join your relationship, then your marriage
will be more fulfilling. "A cord of three strands is not quickly
broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
_________________________
Copyright (c) 2020 Michael J. McManus, President of Marriage Savers and
a syndicated columnist. To read past columns, go to
www.ethicsandreligion.com. Hit
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