Open Your Bible

Conviction. Yes, those three little words bring conviction to my table. Because there are days I put this at the end of my busy schedule and even then I become "too tired" to do anything but climb into bed. It has to be intentional. That word, "intentional", has been stuck in my head lately. What's the point of doing something halfheartedly anyway? Where would I be if Jesus didn't love me unconditionally? That's why I'm sharing this with you - just as it was shared with me this past year. Be intentional with your walk with Jesus.

Here are some quick tips I learned this past year through Kristin Schmucker on how to study the Bible through the SOAP method:

S - Scripture. First, read the passage. It could be a few verses or sometimes a whole chapter.Don't read to just check off your list but eat until you're full. Make it intentional. Then write out in a journal a verse or two that really tugged at your heart, some verses that stuck out to you. Click here to view some journals from Tiny Prints to start out with.

O - Observation. Think on what you read. Find the purpose behind it. What is the author saying? Write down how it reflects on your life, who the verses are speaking to, what is happening, etc. Try to be specific.

A - Application. Meditate on what your read and how it applies to your life.Write a paragraph or two of what you learned. How does the Scripture challenge you? Live what you read.

P - Prayer. This is a way to combat the million thoughts swirling in your head. Write out your prayer or even a shortened version of it at the bottom of the page to help you focus. I find it helpful to say a quick prayer before I ever start reading to remove any confusion and that I would have an understanding of what I read.

You may question why this should be a daily thing? For me, it's my daily strength, even on my strongest days. It's my daily bread. It's for our learning, our encouragement, our devotion. It brings patience, comfort and hope. It has a purpose!

Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Need a place to start? Download this free printable workbook at She Reads Truth.