This week:

1 John 4: 4-5

“⁴ You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them."

SOAP program is as simple as this. You receive a verse of scripture via a text message on your mobile phone.

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 of Australia Lectionary readings each week. Translation version here 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

2 Corinthians 4: 1-2

“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.  

Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God."

          [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.