Sometimes, it's difficult to pull time out for God. Sometimes we have other things on our mind, other things we feel like doing, or we feel really busy and overwhelmed and putting another thing on the schedule doesn't seem to be an option. A truth that has been discovered by many, though, is that when you put aside time for God, other things seem to just fall in place.
Maybe you do put aside time for God, but you don't feel like you get too much out of it. I've learned a new method to help me get more out of my Bible reading that I'm going to share with you!
This method is called the SOAP method. No, it doesn't have to do with physical hygiene, but it does clean you heart up. SOAP is an acronym for the words Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. How you use this method is by writing in some sort of journal and taking those steps.
Scripture: Write down the passage, or a fragment of the passage you are reading. This will help you absorb it more.
Observation: Write down anything that seems to stand out to you in this passage, either the fragment you wrote or the whole chunk. Write down what it means to you.
Application: How can you apply some of those observations or the scripture to your life? Is there anything you can change to line your life up with God's word?
Prayer: Thank God for the new realities brought to your attention. Confess anything you need to get off your heart. Praise Him. Talk to Him.
Now that you've learned how to do this, lets try an example together. I'll choose the passage.
Date: -/-/-
Read: 1 Timothy 4:12
SOAP: Verse 12
S: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
O: As a Believer, I should be Christlike in my speech, how I act, in faith, and by loving others and remaining pure.
A: Change any areas of my life in which I am not completely faithful to God in representing Him.
P: Dear Lord, help me be an accurate representation of who You are in the ways that I act and interact with others. Help me not be pressured into acting otherwise, but to stand firm on Your holy ground. Thank You for loving me and holding me. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.
Pretty simple, no?
Sometimes passages I give you will be relatively short, but other times they might be a couple of verses longer. Happy reading and learning more about our Sovereign Savior!
YOU ARE READING
Setting Time Aside
SpiritualIn life, it is important to set aside time for God. When we don't, we often fall apart, little by little. I made this devotional book to teach you how to spend time with God and provide you with ideas. Remember, you are loved!
