S.O.A.P
S– The S stands for Scripture
You physically write out the scripture……you’ll be amazed that what God will reveal to you just by taking the time to slow down and actually write out what you are reading!
Open your Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to teach, correct, and train you (2 Timothy 3:16). As you’re reading, ask these questions:
What is happening in this passage? What things are emphasized, repeated, related
What do you see about God? What is God doing in this passage?
What do you see about man?
O– The O stands for observation
What do you see in the verses that you’re reading? Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you?
Spend some time reflecting. Ask yourself these questions, and write down your thoughts:
How do you think the author wants his audience to respond?
What do you learn about God’s character?
What wrong beliefs about God and myself did I have?
A– The A stands for Application
This is when God’s Word becomes personal. What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my own personal life? What changes do I need to make? Is there an action that I need to take?
How do I need to repent? What truths do I need to believe? What false beliefs must I turn from?
What can I do – empowered by the Holy Spirit – today to apply this passage
P– And finally P stands for Prayer.
Pray God’s Word back to Him. If He has revealed something to you during this time in His Word, pray about it. Confess if He has revealed some sin that is in your life.
Here is an Example!
S: You have stayed at this mountain too long. It is time to break camp and move on. Look, I am giving all this land to you. Go in and occupy it, for it is the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, and to all their descendants. Deuteronomy 1:6-8
O: What should have taken 11 days took 40 years. You can be moving but still be stuck. Activity doesn’t mean progress. Talking about God is different than trusting in God.
Israel’s time in the wilderness was meant to be temporary. While Israel just wanted to “get there” and settle, the Lord wanted to change them from the inside out.
A: With the ever changing nature of the world right now, the temptation to “settle” can be strong. Today I am remembering my home, my safe place, my refuge isn’t what’s around me, but the Lord sweeps inside of me!
I will not settle for convenience, because the Lord has given me new territory to occupy, the time is now!
P: Jesus, thank you for being unchanging and an anchor for my soul. I repent for areas that I have settled where you called me to occupy. Today I am choosing to follow you where you lead me, because you are a good good God!