WORD OF THE YEAR - HEART

 

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.