This week:
John 15: 16-17
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."
S stands for scripture…
you take the time to read the verse…allowing God to speak to you.
O stands for observation .
What sticks your attention as you read that verse…. what is God actually trying to say to you as an individual/? You may ask the Holy Spirit to teach you, you may paraphrase the verse writing it down in your own words in a journal or just keeping it in your heart.
A stands for Application.
The next step is asking yourself what this actually means to you and how does this verse apply to you right now. Perhaps it is encouragement, instruction, revelation or a new promise for your life or the life of someone close to you. Perhaps it gives guidance and correction in an area of your life that troubles you.
P stands for prayer…
Prayer can be as simple as asking God to help you use the scripture in your life, or it may be a greater insight into what He is already revealing to you. Remember prayer is a two way conversation and you must be sure to listen to what God is saying to you. Then perhaps you will have an opportunity to pass that simple scripture text message onto someone else.
Our SOAP messages are mainly drawn from the Uniting Church Lectionary readings each week. Translation version is usually NIV.
These weekly verses from the bible are collated and sent by a congregation member for the SOAP program – feel free to share them with others!
Last time
1 John 4: 18-20
"18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."
[To subscribe to SOAP devotional texts or to provide feedback or your personal reflections, email: 1gamigu@gmail.com ]
I pray you will be blessed each week as you participate in this personal time of study and reflection until you are able to meet again with a family of believers.Blessings, Maureen.