Tuesday, September 19, 2006
A few years ago I was introduced to this method of Bible study by Pastor Wayne Cordero. It has really been helpful for me. I want to introduce to you the SOAP method of journaling because we are focusing on the transforming power of the Word of God during the month of October. God's word is not given to inform us but to transform us. Daily, meaningful time spent in God's word is the pathway to renewing our thinking and a life that is transformed for God's glory. Vance Havner wrote, "The storehouse of God's word was never meant for mere scrutiny, not even primarily for study but for sustenance. It is not simply a collection of fine proverbs and noble teachings for men to admire and quote as they might Shakespeare. It is ration for the soul, resources of and for the spirit, treasure for the inner man. It's goods exhibited on every page are ours, and we have no business merely moving respectfully amongst them and coming away none the richer."
The SOAP method of journaling has helped me come away from my time spent in the Bible more enriched and has allowed my thinking to be renewed. So what is SOAP journaling? It's an acronymn S=scriptures O=observations A= applications P= prayer. Each day you will find a chapter in God's word to read, for example John 15. Before you read the scripture, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God's truth to you, ask the Holy Spirit to open your mind to receive the Word of God. Next begin reading the Bible and highlight any verses that the Lord impresses on you. Sometimes it will be so evident and sometimes it will be more subtle. If there isn't a verse that the Lord impresses on you read the chapter again until the Lord speaks to your mind. So here's how it works:
S = Scripture - write out the verse that the Lord lays on your heart. For example from John 15, the Lord stopped me at verse 8 so I am going to write that out - "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
O = observations - what do you observe from the scriptures you are reading. From John 15, I observed that Jesus is the vine and God the Father is the gardener. God desires fruit so He prunes us. If I remain in Christ my life will bear much fruit. A fruitful life brings glory to God the Father and proves that I am a follower of Christ.
A = applications. This is where I apply what the Lord is showing me from His word. The Lord stopped me at John 15:8 so I write out my application like this: "Bearing fruit is the way I can bring glory to God the Father. I learned from this chapter that I can bear fruit if I remain in Christ and if His words remain in me. That's the pathway to bearing fruit for God's glory. I don't need to try harder I need to remain close to Christ and He will naturally produce God glorifying fruit in my life."
P = prayer. God's word and prayer go hand in hand. Writing out a sentence of prayer is a very powerful exercise. For example: "God, thank you for being a faithful gardener who desires fruit in my life. May I remain in Christ as You produce Your fruit in my life. May my life bring glory to Your Name." AMEN.
God's word transforms us by renewing our mind. May God be glorified as we spend meaningful time in His word during the month of October.
There's no book like the Bible!
Pastor Tim
The SOAP method of journaling has helped me come away from my time spent in the Bible more enriched and has allowed my thinking to be renewed. So what is SOAP journaling? It's an acronymn S=scriptures O=observations A= applications P= prayer. Each day you will find a chapter in God's word to read, for example John 15. Before you read the scripture, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God's truth to you, ask the Holy Spirit to open your mind to receive the Word of God. Next begin reading the Bible and highlight any verses that the Lord impresses on you. Sometimes it will be so evident and sometimes it will be more subtle. If there isn't a verse that the Lord impresses on you read the chapter again until the Lord speaks to your mind. So here's how it works:
S = Scripture - write out the verse that the Lord lays on your heart. For example from John 15, the Lord stopped me at verse 8 so I am going to write that out - "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
O = observations - what do you observe from the scriptures you are reading. From John 15, I observed that Jesus is the vine and God the Father is the gardener. God desires fruit so He prunes us. If I remain in Christ my life will bear much fruit. A fruitful life brings glory to God the Father and proves that I am a follower of Christ.
A = applications. This is where I apply what the Lord is showing me from His word. The Lord stopped me at John 15:8 so I write out my application like this: "Bearing fruit is the way I can bring glory to God the Father. I learned from this chapter that I can bear fruit if I remain in Christ and if His words remain in me. That's the pathway to bearing fruit for God's glory. I don't need to try harder I need to remain close to Christ and He will naturally produce God glorifying fruit in my life."
P = prayer. God's word and prayer go hand in hand. Writing out a sentence of prayer is a very powerful exercise. For example: "God, thank you for being a faithful gardener who desires fruit in my life. May I remain in Christ as You produce Your fruit in my life. May my life bring glory to Your Name." AMEN.
God's word transforms us by renewing our mind. May God be glorified as we spend meaningful time in His word during the month of October.
There's no book like the Bible!
Pastor Tim
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