2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

The Bible is where we find lasting and eternal truth. It’s where we find food for our souls, and it’s where we can go to find direction for our lives that we can trust. The best way to navigate the issues of life (doing what’s right, parenting, education, money, pain, joy, purpose, etc.) is by growing in a deep love and understanding of God’s word. If you are looking for a deeply transformed life, it starts by being in God’s presence and listening to Him speak through His word. God will teach you, equip you, speak to you, and transform you as you engage with His Word on a regular basis. 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

SOAP Bible Study and Journaling

One method of Bible study that we practice at New Hope Hawaii Kai is the S.O.A.P method:

1. Scripture: Take the time to read the scripture for the day. Don’t rush. Ask God to speak to you through the day’s reading. You might only read one scripture, or you might read all of the scriptures for that day, but if something stops you or strikes you as interesting, stop and write that verse down in your journal. 
2. Observation: Read that scripture again. Think about what it means. Meditate on it. Allow the Holy Spirit to highlight something about it. Ask questions: Who is writing this? What are they saying? What is the context, setting or situation of the verse? What is happening? What does this verse say about God? What does this verse say about mankind? Write down what you observe in your journal. 
3. Application: After you have observed what the text says, take some time to ask God how this applies to you. Try and answer the question: How will I be different today as a result of what I have read? This is where we go from ‘hearing’ God’s word to ‘doing’ what it says. 
4. Pray: Finally, just as you didn’t rush to start your time in God’s presence, don’t be in a rush to finish. You also don’t need to start talking right away. Instead, be quiet and allow God to speak to your heart. Take a few moments to pray about what you have written and thought through. Write down your prayer or a few bullet points from your prayer time. 

You can see an example of a Daily S.O.A.P Devotion HERE.

5 Tools to Help Study the Bible:

1. Bible
2. Pen
3. Journal
4. Bible Reading Plan
5. Daily Planner

If you need any of these tools, we've got you covered. visit our Next Steps table after Sunday Service.