Welcome to the 8:08 Blog!

This semester we’ve been digging into the Word together following the 8:08 Spring Bible Reading Plan. If you’ve been reading along, great. If not, now’s a great time to jump in. We just finished Joshua and this week we’re starting the Gospel of John. Download the file below and read along!

8:08 Spring Bible Reading Plan

A great way to make the most of your time in the Word is to SOAP. SOAP is a way to journal through what you’re reading. It stands for Scripture Observation Application Prayer. To SOAP, grab a notebook and journal your thoughts as you read following this outline:

Scripture

As you read the passage for the day, look for a verse or thought that stands out to you. Is there a section that you need to meditate on or think about in more depth? Write it out at the top the page in your notebook.

Observation

What is it about that verse that stands out to you? What is going on in that passage and what is God communicating? What does that passage teach you about God’s character and your relationship to him? Write these thoughts down.

Application

How does this truth need to affect your life? Be specific. Is there something that you need to thank God for? Ask God for? Is there something that you need to do? Something that you need to repent of? Is there someone that you need to talk to or forgive? Whatever it is, be specific. Make sure that it’s something that you can ask yourself the next day: Was I obedient? Write it down as your application.

Pray

Write your prayer down. Ask God to take what you learned and use it to shape you. Ask him for the courage and strength to apply the passage to your life.

SOAP is not a secret formula and it is not the only way to journal. But for me it’s been a helpful way to process what I’m reading and learning. Try SOAPing through a couple passages this week.