Wednesday, August 27, 2014

S.O.A.P. It!

     Hi Friends! It's been so long and I apologize but I'm just going to jump right back into blogging away! The fall is moving in quickly, the kids are back at school (I have a Kindergartner and a 1st grader this year...AH!) and our routine has transitioned out of summer and into school! We stay on a loose "schedule" in the summer because we eat meals at camp throughout, but of course, when school starts we tighten our belts and get on a little bit tighter schedule.

     That being said, I've been looking for ways to get in the word and with the Lord early, before I face the craziness a day can bring. I'm so excited to have found some online accountability at www.womenlivingwell.org! There is a program called Good Morning Girls (GMG) where women hold each other accountable for time spent in the word. We'll be starting our journey through the Bible in Esther on the 31st! If you think this type of accountability would work for you please go over there now and sign up!  All the information you need to know is on the site. I'm in the "stay at home mom" group.

     The reason I share this is that Courtney, the founder of GMG, uses the S.O.A.P. method to study scripture! I used this for a long time in college, but have not used it in years so I'm motivated to start again. I remember things sticking with me more throughout the day using this method. I know that writing verses out and praying about them specifically worked well. So here's how it works.

S-is for Scripture-write down any verse/verses that stand out to you from the passage. Some even write out the entire scripture they're reading. This gives you a chance to slow down and digest the words as you write them. I've never used this method, but I'm sure it's great!

O-is for Observation-What do you observe in the passage? Who is writing? Who is the audience? What words are repetitive?

A-is for Application- How do I apply this passage to my life? What does this passage say about who/how how God is? Is there an area of conviction? Is there something in my life that needs to stop/start because of what I've read/heard from God?

P-is for Prayer- Whatever you have learned, pray about it. Confess sin, ask for forgiveness and take whatever action necessary to follow the God who desperately loves you.:) Sometimes people even take the very verses that stood out and put them into personal prayer. This can be a powerful way to pray!

     So there you have it! Courtney has all of the guidelines to the S.O.A.P. method and much more about how the study and accountability works on her site. I'm so pumped to see if this is going to work for me. It does mean I'll have to take more time then usual, but I know that it will be worth it! I also plan on posting what the Lord is teaching me as we go along. I hope it will be an encouragement to you!


"Those who fear you will be glad when they see me because I have hoped in your word." 



Here's a pic from the 4th of July!