Q & A: Reading the Word Together

You wrote that you and your husband share a devotion time every morning. May I ask you if you use a devotional book? And what kind of devotional routine do you recommend?

Growing Together – Sharing those Nuggets

Reading the Word together in the morning (or evening if that works for you!) really knits our hearts together as a couple. We may not get time to do this every morning, but each and every time is a treasure. It strengthens our relationship, and also enriches our faith. I love being able to ask my hubby questions from our reading and hearing him grow in his ability to teach our family. As our children get older, I hope to also incorporate them into this time together.

I am blessed to come from a family where my mom and dad lead us faithfully before the Lord on a consistent basis through rising early and reading the Bible together. I attribute their faithfulness to be the instrument that God used to draw me out of darkness and into His marvelous light. As a family, we would often read through the wisdom books of Proverbs and Psalms. We would each read five verses and then make a comment. We would always be encouraged to share a nugget of truth that stood out to us.

Simply Read the Word

As a married couple, we have done a few things to make our time together profitable. We normally work through reading a book of the Bible together. In the past we have read the book of the Bible that the church was working through in the sermons, and that was a great way to strengthen our understanding and build upon what was being taught from the pulpit. At other times, Aaron has just selected a book of the Bible that he wanted to lead us through and we would read a chapter a day. During Advent season, we read through our advent readings together.

Currently, we are reading, What Jesus Demands from the World by John Piper (I highlighted one chapter here). This is an excellent read! It goes through all the different verses in the Gospels where Jesus gave a specific command to His followers, and Piper addresses how we can apply these truths. Very insightful and filled with Scripture! After we finish reading a chapter or portion (depending on what time allows), we discuss it and ask questions. We always end our devotional time with prayer. Another means of strengthening our marriage. We come before the Lord and bless our day, pray for one another, our baby, neighbors, ministry, and any needs that have come to our attention.

Bible Reading Accountability

It has been very helpful this year to be committed to using the same Bible reading plan as well. Our current routine is 30 minutes to an hour of personal devotions and then 30 minutes of devotions together (now Karis may wake up any time in the midst of this and need to be nursed, so it is flexible!). I highly recommend this accountability! On a side note, the particular plan we are using has been amazing. It shows the beautiful connection of Scripture as you read from four sections at once, starting in Genesis, the wisdom books, the Gospels, and the Epistles. Aaron pointed out that it displays the work of the Trinity is a powerful way. In the beginning we see the display of God. The Gospels bring in the work of the Son, and Acts displays the power of the Holy Spirit. Reading how the Trinity works together at once has been pretty profound.

Let Your Husband Lead, and Pray for Him!

It is such a blessing to have a husband who leads in these areas, and I am growing so much! By the way, if this is an area that your husband struggles in, as mine has, please do not forgot to pray for him! I have found that God has greatly inspired my man as I have prayed for him to be given the vision and desire to lead us in devotions together.

I would love to hear any other ideas that have worked for you, whether it is with your spouse or family?