There’s nothing better then having the bible really come to life as you read. Following a daily reading plan is one way to help you read and discover truths that will change your life.
At Life, we encourage the use of the Life Journal Plan that will take you through the bible in a year. As well as reading scripture, it can really come to life when you’re thinking out how it applies to your life and journaling your thoughts (even if they’re only brief!)
With that in mind, we use the acrostic SOAP as we read and journal.
S: Scripture. Which passage particularly stands out? Be prayerful and expectant as you read..
O: Observation. What is happening/what are the main themes in the passage?
A: Application. How does this apply to me personally?
P: Prayer. With the above in mind, what is my prayer?
Here are journals from some of our people to help you get started ‘soaping’!
No favourites
S Ephesians 3 4b-6 (MSG) The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board. O Paul is talking about the mystery of Christ. What is this mystery? One that simple, yet at the same time, one that can be hard for humans to wrap their minds around. No matter who you are – if you’ve known Christ all your life or you’re a brand new Christian and are only just discovering the things of Christ – we all stand on the same ground. We all have the same access to him, we can all claim the same promises, there’s no favouritism. A The mystery of Christ goes against how the world generally thinks. Climbing the ladder, building reputation – Christ shows no favourites and I need to remember this. We all have the same access to Christ – so when I feel less ‘worthy’ or not a spiritual giant, I need to remember that the mystery of Christ is that it doesn’t matter! P Thank you God that your ways are not my ways – and that we all stand on the same ground before you, regardless of how we ‘feel’. I pray that you reveal yourself to me – that