Soap for the Soul
REFLECT " RESPOND:
“Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.” Psalm 51: 2 NLT
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 NLT
Notice how the verses above talk about washing and cleansing. Today, we will talk about how the Word of God can clean us up from the inside out.
Just like we use SOAP to clean our bodies, we can use S.O.A.P. to clean our hearts. Many people have experienced an amazing transformation in their thought patterns, attitudes, and behavior, simply by practicing this habit of using S.O.A.P daily:
S: SCRIPTURE Reading: Having your Bible laying around the house won’t change you, much like buying soap bars won’t clean you automatically. You’ve got to break open that wrapper and start using it. So everyday, Open your Bible and start reading SCRIPTURE.
You can follow a Yearly Bible Reading plan (there are many online) or perhaps you can begin with the book of Proverbs. It’s simple. (For example, it’s March 20, so you read Proverbs Chap.20 that day).
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O: OBSERVATION: You will notice that as you read, certain verses seem to jump at you.
Underline/ Highlight and take note of those verses that have an impact on you. These are the verses that speak to your heart that day. (Some days you’ll have many, some days just 1 or 2).
Use a journal to record the verses and your observations.
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A: APPLICATION: Ask the Holy Spirit: What are you teaching me from God’s word today?
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How can I apply in my life what I’m learning ?
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Write down what God tells you. ________________________________________________________________
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P: PRAYER:
In your own words, write a simple prayer based on what you just learned, then ask God for the power to apply these truths in your life.
In conclusion:
Think about it…a bar of SOAP. Such a small thing but it can clean and refresh and revitalized any person of any size, of any dirt, of any age. Especially when used daily!
Now think about the impact of your spiritual S.O.A.P.
Imagine the power of God’s Word when read " applied everyday! It will break wrong mindsets, affirm how valuable you are, improve relationships, give you wisdom for school or work, most of all awaken your heart to how deeply God loves you that he sent Jesus to be your Savior, and the washer of your sins.
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Try S.O.A.P today and make it a habit for life. : )
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8 (ESV)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,
There are so many things that need “cleaning up” in me and I can’t do it on my own.
I need wisdom in so many areas of my life. I need the power of your words and your Holy Spirit to come and help me.
Give me the daily desire to read Scripture, because it is reading your wisdom that will radically improve my life, more than the daily reading of my text messages, email, or the internet.
As I read my Bible daily, please open my eyes to your teachings and how I can apply it in my life. I ask your Holy Spirit to guide me, give me a willing heart and the discipline to obey you.
Thank you for the changes and breakthroughs you have prepared for me.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 10:12
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