This summer, we had some new people who moved to town from California. They brought
with them an idea for a small group they belonged to out west. This Life Group
wasn’t like any small group I had been involved with before. This group is
centered on fellowship and prayer for each other. Although we study the Bible,
it’s not “just another Bible Study”. Each week, we take the time to share a
verse or passage that meant something to us. The way we share our passage is
through S.O.A.P. journaling. This
acronym stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. We may share
from Luke, the book we are studying at Church Sunday morning, or from Matthew,
which is what some of us are studying at Bible Study Fellowship. Sometimes, we
share scripture from our own personal devotional time. We share what we
observed from the verse. Then we share how we applied that verse to our life.
Lastly we share a short prayer for our selves. I had never looked at scripture
this way and have found that I really enjoy it. I’m going to share some of my
journaling with you.
Scripture: I John 1:8-9 (NIV)
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the
truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Observation: Several places in scripture remind us
that as a descendant of Adam, I have been born with a sinful nature. God asks
us to confess those sins to Him. He will forgive us and cleanse us. That’s why
Jesus had to die!
Application: Life is hard. I make mistakes. I hurt
people I love and am hurt by people I love. I have been making a conscious
effort over the past year especially to humble myself and take responsibility
for my part in conflict or in the hurt I have caused others. I am working at
seeking forgiveness from them and from God. I am working to forgive those who
seek forgiveness from me.
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