At OurChurch daily devotions and journaling is a practice we value highly. We do this to grow in our relationship with God and be an effective witness in our community. The Holy Spirit desires to lead each of us on an individual path of revelation and growth.
Each day we aim to read a portion of scripture, and journal about how this can be applied to our life.
We use a method we call SOAP —
Scripture – Choose a bible reading plan that suits you and where you are at in your walk with God. The Levels are designed to challenge you in your faith journey.
Read the bible passages. As you are reading, underline anything the Lord impresses to your life as a personal word to be applied.
Observation –What do you notice about the verses? What do you think the main message is? What verses, words or ideas jump out to you?
Application – What can I do with what I just observed. Ask God how he wants you to apply the verse to your own life.
Prayer – Pray for yourself and/or for others.
Check out these examples of SOAP devotions straight from Pastor Kev’s journal:
Living & leading well
Read devotion →
We have the choice
Read devotion →
Resolve of will
Read devotion →
What do I need?
Your bible. If you don’t have a physical copy we love to use Bible.com →
Your journal. This can be any blank journal, or even the notes app on your phone.
A bible reading plan. Below you’ll see the reading plans we love. Feel free to follow these plans at your own pace. We aim follow a daily reading plan, that means over 12 months we have read the entire Bible. At OurChurch we like to follow the same plan in sync daily with everyone else at church. If you’d like help getting in sync with us please ask next time you’re at church and we’ll help get you on our plan.
Bible reading plans —
Life Journal Reading Plan
This is our recommended plan. Designed to help you read through the whole bible in a year.
View reading plan →
First Steps Reading Plan
Perfect for youth & new Christians, this plan follows the Life Journal Plan, but with a lower amount of reading.
View reading plan →
Explore more reading plans →
In addition to our main reading plan, we like to explore shorter reading plans that focus in on specific topics.
If you would like help getting started with devotions, we would love to connect you with a SOAP Devotions group or catch up one-on-one to offer some guidance.
