S.O.A.P. Journaling

We have delicate root systems, which we need to protect from the noise and stuff of life.
3 reasons why Christians aren't in the Word regularly:
1. They don't know how.
2. They don't see a need.
3. They don't have time. They don't see enough value in taking time in the Word.

The MOTIVATION: Jn 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
When we're not connected to Christ, we will inevitably wither. The Father's main tool for pruning us is the Word of God. Satan wants to keep us from the Word of God. To wither, you just have to do nothing. We need to actively and intentionally connect with Christ through the Word.
When we're connected with Christ, we prosper. Ps 1:1-3 "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,  but whose delight is in the law of the Lord , and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers."

The MODEL: Lk 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."; Mk 1:35 "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."; Mt 14:23 "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone"; Lk 6:12 "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God."; Lk 5:16 "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."

The METHOD: SOAP journaling
Scripture: Read and write it down!
Observation: Why was it written? To whom was this originally written? How does this fit with the verses before and after it? What is God intending to communicate through this text?
Application: What does this mean today? What would the application of this verse look like in my life? What is God saying to me?
Prayer: Be honest with God.
-Leave the first three pages of the journal open for a table of contents, make titles for each day.

Just start. Pray before you begin. Be self aware, understand your tendencies. Have a routine. Consider reading together with a group. Don't look for a feeling or a "wow" moment every time. Don't get overwhelmed, start slow. Use outside sources (a good study Bible, www.gotquestions.org, www.bible.org). Keep going! (Refuse condemnation and guilt)