SOAPing

What do you get when you have 41 Jr High girls, 3 showers, 3 toilets, 2 long mirrors, sand-burs galore, and triple digit temps for 5 days?…… Lots of giggles, fun and games, new friendships, and heart-to-heart discussions.

I just returned from Kan-Ok Bible Camp; the week I eagerly anticipate each summer. These young ladies come from many different backgrounds yet have one common interest – to learn more about God. Granted this might not be their main reason to come, but by the end of the week it is evident that God has worked to soften hearts for growth, repentance and forgiveness.

I not only got to hang out with all these young ladies, but served as a counselor with 6 amazing college women. I love getting to mentor them, and I usually learn a thing or two from them as well. Our mornings at camp are started with personal devotions.  Many of the girls have not incorporated daily Bible reading, devotions and prayer into their daily life, but by the end of the week they want to know how they can continue at home. This year one of the counselors taught them about “SOAPing”. It is such an easy way to learn and grow that I want to share it with you.

To begin all you need is: a Bible, notebook, pen or pencil.

1.  On the left side of your notebook page write the letters S O A P horizontally leaving a few lines in between each letter. These letters stand for S-Scripture, O-observation, A-application, P-prayer.

2. Read one chapter in your Bible. This can be any chapter at random or begin reading a specific book of the Bible. After reading one chapter choose one verse that stands out to you.  Write this verse beside your “S”.

3. Beside the “O” write your observation. What does this verse mean, or what is the main point?

4. Beside the “A”, answer the question, “How can I apply this verse and observation to my own life?”

5. Pray – Ask God to help you make this application.

That’s all there is to it! By keeping these notes in a notebook, you will be able to refer back to it and see how God has been revealing His truths to you.

The campers and staff have gone home, and most probably slept in this morning. We are now back to real life with all its joys and problems; it is time to apply all we learned this week.

R U Ready?

I’d love to hear how God impacted your life through a Bible camp, even if it was 30 or 40 years ago. I’d also love comments if you begin “SOAPing”.