Lesson 23: Immersed in the Word of God - Part 1

The first scenario is that you get up and begin your day but you don't "open wide your mouth"; that is, you spend no time with the Lord because you got distracted with other things. You begin your work for the day preoccupied with worries and cares and feeling unsettled. You proceed with your day, but it doesn't go well. You find yourself easily distracted. At the day's end, you go to bed self-focused and feeling disappointed that you generally did not live a life worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).

The second scenario is that you set your alarm to get up a little earlier so that you can get that spiritual "nourishment" that you are desiring from the Lord. When the alarm goes off, you initially don't feel like getting up but you resist the temptation to hit the snooze button because you've come to understand the importance of receiving from the Lord daily. You take the time to pray and read God's Word and quietly meditate on it getting yourself centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today in your reading the Holy Spirit showed you the cross very clearly, and your heart was so warmed and encouraged. The Holy Spirit worked deeply within you through that message of good news, and you feel calm and confident, even bold in your faith. You proceed through your day being led by the Spirit and "whoever lives by Spirit does not gratify the lusts of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). Throughout your day you were reminded of the special time you had with the Lord and what He taught you from His Word, remembering how it felt like such a great big hug from Jesus. You experience the strength of the Lord directing and lifting up your heart and focusing your mind clearly through the day.

So what made the difference in the two scenarios? In scenario two, you took seriously the instruction to "open wide your mouth", that is, to receive from the Lord. And as He promised, God defeated your enemies of the devil and your own flesh.

This reading of our Bibles in the morning is not meant to be legalistic, but rather simply an example given to highlight the application of this important instruction. We can go to the Lord and receive from Him at any time of the day or night.

Carnell writes, "I try not to dwell on the past but some way it raises its ugly head and I get these despairing thoughts. I need prayer to see myself as God sees me. I want that life altering transformation from being immersed in the Gospel. In Jesus name Amen!"

Tori writes, "Life is going so much better! My Shepherd is here for me. He has created such a beautiful community of Christians in my life and is leading me more and more to increase my faith and become immersed in the word. He is showing me the power of the word, of defeating strongholds and taking every thought captive and piece by piece moving ne towards Him more and more in the most loving way. God all I can do is praise you all!!!"