Instructive Encounters

instruction - Instructive Encounters

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV

Amy and Paul came to one of our conferences frustrated by their lack of spiritual oneness. They had only recently made individual commitments to the Lord and become active in a local church. Neither came from a spiritual background, so they were hungry to make up for lost time. We began by encouraging them to read God’s Word.

During a review of Scripture, Amy and Paul noted that believers have the opportunity to hear the Word from others. The book of Colossians tells us that when we read and study the Word for ourselves, we can become Christ’s messengers (3:16). The book of Revelation says the ones who read the Word and take it to heart are blessed (1:3), and the book of Acts affirms a certain group of believers for examining the Scriptures every day (17:11).

Finally, Amy and Paul noted that we are given the chance to memorize and meditate on God’s Word. Psalms tells us that living out and memorizing God’s Word can keep our way pure (119:9-11). The book of Joshua says if we are careful to meditate on God’s Word and then live it out, we will be prosperous and successful (1:8).

Paul and Amy were astounded at the promises associated with spending time in God’s Word. Each was challenged to review their weekly schedule and look for places to insert encounters with God’s Word. Amy decided to plan a short time of meditation before bed. Paul chose to allot a weekly time for intense personal study of the Bible. They committed to meet weekly to share their experiences in God’s Word with one another.

Paul and Amy developed such a heart for the Bible that they later went on to seminary and then the mission field.

What steps can you and your spouse take to daily spend time in God’s Word?