This week:

Psalm 23: 2-4

"He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me."

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 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

Psalm 4: v8

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety."

         [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.