SOAP Advice for Bloggers

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Are you a blogger using SOAP to help you hear God better as you read through the Bible?

Posting your SOAP observations can be a great accountability tool, and it can also be a fantastic way to live as instructed in Philemon 1:6:

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

I know that, for me, my faith has multiplied and my understanding of our God has also increased as a result of SOAP’ing through the Bible and sharing it with you. I also have no doubt my actions have encouraged others to explore their own relationship with our Father.

When I first started sharing my SOAP observations in 2008, I would journal into a notebook and then type my words (and His) into the computer and post. Soon, I skipped the notebook step and just typed for efficiency’s sake.

Recently, I went back and added the notebook step, and it has changed my experience. I find that I when I journal first into a notebook, sometimes I hear things differently than I might when typing. I worry less about sentence composition or what others might think and can focus more on really listening to the Holy Spirit.

Often, when I go back to transcribe, I get another perspective or an expanded perspective on what I wrote earlier.

Yes, this process takes longer, but it has been worth the extra time to hear more about what God has for me and what God wants me to share.

I have felt pulled to share this with you for two days. So, if you are SOAPing and posting your SOAP observations, consider adding an extra step and see if you hear anything different. The extra step will be worth it. (Isn’t spending extra time with Him always worth it?)

 

If you aren’t already, please consider joining us as we SOAP through the Gospels every day through July 10. I post the weekly schedule every Sunday night and the next day’s devotional each evening.

After that, consider reading (and possibly) Blogging Through the Bible in 90 Days with us beginning July 11.


Comments

8 responses to “SOAP Advice for Bloggers”

  1. I think journaling really does help us hear from God better! Thanks so much for this post and the encouragement to continue waiting on the Lord!

    Blessings,
    Patty

  2. I am very new to SOAPing but I have been enjoying it. I didn’t realize how much I was missing in my regular studies until I started SOAPing. My old studies were so…two dimensional. With this method, I am not only blogging about what happens in the verses I am reading but I’m trying to apply it to myself, and in the process, gaining a deeper understanding of what God is saying to me. Thanks for introducing me to this wonderful method!

  3. This is part of what God has been talking to me about lately… thank you for being part of how He is choosing to impress these things on my heart!

    1. I am so glad to be used this way and share. :) Thanks!

  4. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Hi Amy!

    I have been doing my SOAP writing in a paper journal from the start, and have really enjoyed having that step first. Like you, I often find thoughts expaned a bit when I am later posting it on my blog. One thing I do like is that if life is REALLY REALLY crazy and I can’t get on my computer in the morning, I at least have a chance of grabbing my paper journal and going some place quiet to read and write.

    And, by the way, I recognize in your picture a well-used copy of the 90 Day Bible! I think I treasure my 90 Day Bible more than any other that I own, because IT is the one I read through–every page. What a blessing! Thank you so much for your help and encouragement to all of us in our daily walk with God.

    1. Yep– That is my Bible in 90 Days Bible and it has became my favorite Bible, too. Sometimes I go to a study Bible or parallel Bible, but I love this one the best. :)

      I’m glad you are enjoying reading and SOAPing.

  5. Hi Amy! I also skip have been skipping the paper journaling, but honestly that’s one of the reasons I like doing this blogging through the gospel devotion time. I’m constantly on my computer, so now I’m actually using my computer for some good…other than just homework and research. Usually I type everything out…not worrying about sentence structure, fluency of ideas, etc and then go back and try and make things more structured….esp. if I’m going to share. I have also thought about starting another blog {but keeping it simple} of my SOAP’s…that way I can link up and share. I want to publish my blog at the end of the year, but this would not be something I would want included in my Family blog {please don’t take that as it not being extremely important, b/c I know that it is!:)} It’s still just a thought, though! Again, thanks for your insight in all things! Have a GREAT week!!!

    1. It sounds like you have a great plan that is working… keep it up!

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