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SOAP

How Do I Use SOAP?

S for Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading found under today's date of your Bible bookmark (see below). Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day and write it in your journal.

O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in the Scriptures? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. In your journal, paraphrase and write the verse(s) down in your own words.

A for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how the verse(s) can apply to you today.

P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use what you have learned. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

 

Some journaling tips.

  • Start each entry on a new page.
  • Write that day's date.
  • Give your lesson a title.
  • You can create a "table of contents" in the front of your journal to help you find past entries and lessons you've learned.

Bibles and journals can be purchased at the Crossroads Welcome Center.

 

SOAP Reading Schedule

Why Do I Journal?

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." 1 Timothy 3:16-17

 

Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the spirit of the mind. As we read God's words, we begin to see how God responds to things; then when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way.

Journaling  is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us.

It's also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the "gems" that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons!

When Should I Journal?

It's a good idea to set aside a certain time in your schedule each day and find a quiet place where you won't be distracted.
 
It's not important when you do your devotions, but that you make it a very important part of your day. For morning people, it's a great way to start your day. For others, it's 20-minute lunchtime appointments with Jesus. For the night owls, it's the final act of the day, the time to quiet their hearts and hear God's voice.