As a follow-up to the practicality of last year's word (steward),
I am focusing on what informs that Biblical action: a heart properly connected to the Creator ~
Per habit, an acrostic
H = HELP/HOPE - Psalm 121:1-2
E = ENDURE - Romans 15:4
A = ABIDE - John 15
R = REVIVE/RENEW - Romans 12:2
T = TEACH - Psalm 119: 64
With these I will do Scripture-based word studies and also focus on Psalm 119: the very foundation for connecting one's heart to the Creator.
Not only will I read Psalm 119 methodically, but also will search for (and sing) hymns/lyrics based on these verses. Daily readings from Charles Bridges' commentary on Psalm 119 are already underway.
Re-listening to a JCMIII Psalm 119 series: The Christian's Delight at Sermonaudio; Anthony Curto also has some good ones. I plan to reference commentaries by Thomas Manton, John Calvin, and Matthew Henry to supplement my study.
At church, Pastor Jess is preaching through Corinthians, so I will attempt to integrate his sermons with my personal devotions. In addition, I hope to read up on the life and times of the Corinthians: biography of the Apostle Paul (for example, historical fiction byTaylor Caldwell and movie _Peter and Paul_)
That sounds like a good start for 2024 ~
Added later: As this year draws to an end, I can report that this study has been most beneficial, but I am feeling like I have just scratched the surface. I mean, there are over 500 references to the word *heart* in Scripture. So, I may return to this word study again. In the meantime, a new word for 2025 is taking shape.
