Our desire is that every believer would also be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  That means we do not just attend church, but also learn the art of hearing from God daily through His Word!  As we read the Bible, we begin to see Who God is, how He responds to our prayers, and how we can become sensitive to His voice. Doing daily devotions re-aligns the way we think, transforms our lives, and helps us become more like Jesus!

The S.O.A.P. Devotional and Journaling Method is a simple and excellent way to remember and understand what God has spoken to you.  It's also helps you to reflect on and review the treasures of God’s Word that you have uncovered. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and important lessons!  Journaling is quality time with the Lord.  This may be very personal but we do encourage you to share some of your daily journaling with your accountability partner (spouse, sibling, or mentor).  Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight, and encourage others!

GETTING STARTED:

S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method is a simple system for devotions.

·      Identify a consistent time and place to meet with God.

·      Turn off all distractions to focus on your time with God.

·      Using a bible reading plan greatly assists your passage selection

·      You’ll need three items (Bible, Pen & Journal) to S.O.A.P. each day! 

·      Write the date at the top right of the page.

Open your Bible to your reading for the day. Your accountability partner, your mentor, or your Pastor could assign this to you. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.

·      Read the entire passage of scripture that you have identified.

·      Pick one verse from the passage that speaks to you.

·      Copy that verse at the top of your entry for that page.

What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you.

·      Observe what the verse says.

o   Think about who it was addressed to and why it was written.

o   Ponder its meaning, tone and purpose.

·      Take several moments to meditate on it and let it soak into your heart.

·      Write down your observations in a paragraph or few sentences in your journal.

Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.

·      Write out how you plan to put into practice the lesson from what you have read?

·      How will you be different today as a result of what you‘ve just read?

·      How does this verse apply to me?

This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or even a prayer for a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

·      Write out word for word your prayer to God based on your reading.

·      Ask him to help you apply it in your life and thank him for his word.

UP!

Go back up, Name & Date it.

·      Go back to the top and give your journal entry a name It.

·      Date your journal entry so you can remember when it was written.

It’s that simple!  We hope that by using this method, you will learn more of God The Father’s Will in your life, experience the Love that Jesus Christ brings, and be empowered through The Holy Spirit as He guides you in your walk with The Lord.

Download the OGC Church App from www.ogcnj.com for more.