Reviewing and progress

Greetings!

After a month away from this project, I'm back on track. I purposely took a week off to review the verses and outlines from previous studies. I would recommend 'pausing' every once in a while, especially if you feel some of the old verses slipping, in order to refresh your memory for the previous studies. I've found that if they are 'in there', they come back fairly easily. I usually work my way backwards; start with the most recent verses and systematically work back to the first. If you have been consistently reviewing, the verses farthest back will be the most solidified and should come back with a little refresher.

I've found this study to be amazingly helpful in many ways. First of all, I already have a better 'feel' for where things are in my Bible. If a subject comes up that I have studied, I (usually) can quickly remember where that issue is in the Bible. Now, with this study, I'm counting on the Lord growing me in wisdom and discernment. I don't want to become 'that guy' that just spouts off verses or chapters to show how smart he is. Many times, my mind will zoom to a particular chapter or verse (and I'll turn there if I have my Sword handy) and I just enjoy God's Word in that moment; always trying to remember to thank Him for His Word and for helping me hide it in my heart.

Secondly, I feel I have a better language for prayer, worship and teaching. Being immersed in His Word gives me a connection to His heart. And like a spring of living water, it flows out of me more readily. Again, wisdom and discernment (even tact) are critical here. I am supposed to 'supplement my faith with...knowledge' (2 Peter 1:5), but I'm also warned that 'knowledge puffs up' (1 Cor 8:1). I'm pretty sure that walking humbly with each other (1 Pet 5:5) does not include showing off how much you know about the Bible. One test of the fruit of this study is if it increases the Christ-likeness of my heart and character or if it increases a modern Pharisee-ism.
Lastly, I just feel better. I have never felt closer to God my entire life. It just feels right. As I begin to obey the most basic commands He has given me, I feel the joy of knowing Him more.

Thank You, Lord, for walking with me on this journey. Please help me keep my eyes and heart open to You. This is not about me, it's about us. Draw me nearer to Your heart, and fill me with Your Word so that I can be a vessel used for honorable use. As I hear It, hide It, and heed It, make me more like You.

Ethan