Happy New Year!

Travis and I thought it would be nice to read the New Testament together this year with our children and we also thought it might be nice to invite others to join us.  We are using the 5x5x5 Bible Reading Plan found here- http://www.navpress.com/uploadedFiles/5x5x5_BRP.pdf .  We have found the “SOAP” method of study and application, which Pastor Eldon introduced to us, to be the most useful format to get the Word of God embedded in our hearts. “What is the SOAP method of study?” you ask. SOAP is an acronym for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer.  So, as we read we can ask ourselves these questions:  1. Which scripture really spoke to my heart?  2. What observation have I made about this scripture?  3. How Can I apply what I have observed to my life?  After asking these questions we can pray that God helps us to remember these truths that he has revealed to us and that it would make a positive impact on our lives.

 

Our Bible reading plan is set up in weeks, so that will mean we will start tomorrow in Mark chapter 1.  We will read 1 chapter each day for 5 days, then 2 days a week will be reflection days in which we can dig deeper in His word and/or reflect on what the Lord has been saying throughout the week.  You can share the scripture, observation, application and/or prayer that God speaks to you with the rest of us if you want, or just follow along by just reading the Bible plan.  I can give you an example of what a SOAP journal looks like when you do the whole thing.

My SOAP Journal for Mark chapter one

Scripture- Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”  38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Observation- I thought it was interesting how we talked this morning about the way Jesus disappeared in Luke 2: 41-50 and Jesus’ parents were frantically looking for him.  In each case Jesus spoke of his calling.  In Luke He said “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” and here in Mark, Jesus’ response was “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 

Application- In this scripture I feel like Jesus was saying to me in both places that if I am having a hard time finding Him or connecting with Him I need to look for him where He is going about the Father’s work.  Am I sleeping or marching off in some direction where He isn’t going.  If I can be praying that I see where Jesus is working I can be working in sync with Him instead of doing things in my own flesh.

Prayer- God, help me to get my marching orders from you each day and help me to follow where you are leading instead of going in my own direction this day.  Amen 

So that, my dear friends is a Soap journal! :)  I know God will speak something different and special to each one of you and I’m looking forward to hearing from you too!  May God Bless you and His light shine upon you throughout this blessed New Year!

Love,

Travis and Angie