Journaling is a great way to record your year through the Bible. It will help in two important ways. First, writing down a few sentences on what you just read will help you to organize your thoughts on the scripture and help commit what you learned that day to memory. Second, journaling will serve as a permanent reminder of what God has taught you throughout the year.
There are many ways to journal, but here is one quick, effective way that uses the acrostic S.O.A.P.
S for Scripture
Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. Highlight, underline or place a mark in the margin of your bible next to the scriptures that stand out. When you are done, reread the verses you marked, look for one that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O for Observation
Focus in on one story or passage from the days reading and “observe’ what the text says. Sum up, in a few quick sentences, what the text says in your own words. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words in your journal.
A for Application
Personalize what you have read by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Then, write it down.
Need some extra help with your SOAPs? Every third weekend of each month there is a brief SOAP workshop designed to help you take your Bible reading to the next level. Visit our Events Page for the latest SOAP Workshop.