SOAP: Building a good base

Scripture:

“But the seed with good soil

stands for those with a  good and noble heart,

who hear the word,

retain it

and by persevering produce a good crop.”

Luke 8:15

Observation:

Those with a firm foundation, who listen and apply the word and then keep working at understanding and living it will thrive.

Application:

Growing in Christ, and thriving, doesn’t just happen.

It takes effort and intentional follow-through.

If I want to thrive, I cannot expect to just skate by, picking up a taste of the Bible here and there.

If I want to thrive, and live the life I am intended to live, I need to seek Him continually, listening to His teaching and then applying it.

I have been talking with God about my Bible reading lately. As you may have noticed, my SOAP scriptures have been short and bite-sized this month, without a longer portion to read each day.

That will change in the next few days as I seek out a more robust plan to read.

I’ll still only profile 1-2 verses here, but I’ll begin listing (and reading) a longer passage each day so we can dig deeper and listen better on our own. Of course you’ll be free to dive in and read the passage on your own, too, or not.

Prayer:

Father God,

Thanks for pulling me back to SOAP at the end of December and keeping me here. I missed this time and I sure love it now.

I love how you drew me near with short readings, and have stirred my heart with each one to want more.

I think I know what reading plan you have in mind for me, but I am not sure. Help me to see that more clearly and hear you daily as I cultivate deeper, more substantial, rich soil.

I’m excited for what you have to share.

I love you. Thanks.