S.O.A.P.

SOAP has become a pretty regular acronym among many of my friends and it wasn't until recently that i decided to adapt it myself and jump on the bandwagon. i am always challenging myself with new motivation to read the bible. and even as i type that, i'm convicted because i shouldn't have to find motivation to read the word. y'know?! shouldn't it already be there? i mean... i'm a christian... shouldn't i wake up each morning and be so excited to find out what the lord wants to speak to me today? well, reality is... i've got a one year old. i'm tired, i'm busy, i've got a lot of 'stuff' that takes precedence.

so... if you're finding yourself in a rut with wanting to get more into the word of god and need a little something to get you going... jump onboard! you'll need a bible, a journal, a pen and just a few minutes each day! 

Scripture- jot down in your journal one particular scripture that stood out to you. just one.

Observation- write down your observations. who was speaking? who were they talking to? tone of voice, location, etc. 

Application- how does this scripture apply to your life? what is god trying to tell you through his word?

Prayer- write down as short or long of a prayer responding to what you read and how you can apply it to your life.

it really does simplify getting in the word. it can take as long or as quick as you want, but the purpose is spending time with the lord and the truths that he has spoken. plus, the bonus is that you will, over time, have a wealth of things to look back at when you need a reminder of how faithful god is. lately, i have been reading one psalm and one proverb each day and i go by the day of the month that it is. for instance, today is the 20th, so i will read psalm 20 and proverbs 20. kind of an easy way to decide where to start!