A few of you have asked to see how we are completing the S.O.A.P. method so I thought I’d show you what I wrote down for today’s verses. Hope this helps!

James 1: 22-24

S- Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

O- In these verses I observe that I am not to just listen to God’s Word- being passive. God calls us to be active in our faith by doing what it says. Being a doer helps us to remember what God’s word says. Moving from passive listener to active doer helps us to internalize God’s Word and moves us into better understanding.

A- I need to make sure that I am moving beyond just reading and listening to God’s Word. I want my faith to be active. I want to be a doer of God’s Word. I want God’s truth to penetrate the deepest levels of my heart. I don’t want to simply take in God’s Word, I want His Words to change me. I want to become more like Christ each day- Christ wasn’t passive. His faith was active. My faith needs to be active too.

P- Lord, please help me to find ways to put your words into action in my life. Please change me from the inside out. Please keep me from being like the man who hears your words and does not allow them to change him. Please bless me with head knowledge and heart knowledge. I pray when people see me- they truly only see you. Use me Jesus.

Here’s another example for you from our reading this week:

James 1:19-20

S- My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

O- Everyone includes ME! I need to listen more and react less. I need to speak less- no rants! My anger is unrighteous and undesirable to God.

A- Listen more- slow down. Slow down my reactions- be wise-don’t be emotional. My anger displeases God.

P- Lord, help me as I deal with the children to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to anger. I am their role model. Help me to teach this to my children by living it first. I love you Jesus!

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Here I explain in greater detail what each section stands for, remember these are just guidelines to help you.

S- stands for “Scripture” you are to write out the verses in your own handwriting. By the end of our James study, you will have written out the WHOLE book of James! Also writing out the scripture helps you to understand it better and take a closer, slower look at the verses.

O- stands for “Observations“, what do you notice in this passage? You may want to summarize the verses in your own words, but most importantly write down what you hear God saying to you in these verses. What new observations or insights have you learned?

A- stands for “Application“, how can you apply what you just read to your life? Make it personal. Is there something that you need to change? Someone you need to forgive?

P- stands for “Prayer“, pray over what God has shown you today through His Word. Ask Him to help you live it out.

Thanks for making the time to be in God’s Word a priority in your life!

Learning to LOVE GOD GREATLY right along with you!!!

-Angela