When I first listened to this podcast, I was so impressed and inspired by these women of faith.

They are talking about a particular product, The Lutheran Study Bible journal, but they also talk about how to journal and the benefits they enjoy in their own lives.  Most of the content can be applied to any type of Bible journaling (including my SOAP devotions).  One of the women interviewed is Jan Wendorf, the president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (see her blog in my blogroll).  If you are looking for encouragement or motivation to be in the Word, I recommend this podcast.  ENJOY!

The products they discuss:
The Lutheran Study Bible
The Lutheran Study Bible Journal
Today’s Light Subscription

"Agnus Day appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org"

I’m starting a theme today – Gospel Wednesday.  Have you noticed when you watch a movie again, you tend to notice more?  You hear a funny line, notice a great costume, or discover foreshadowing you missed.  Along that line, when I read the Bible readings before Sunday, I find that I am able to engage in the readings and the sermon in new and fresh ways.

My congregation follows a three-year lectionary, and we are in year B. (If you are interested in more information on lectionaries click here.) Not all churches follow a lectionary, so you may have to ask your church secretary for the readings if you want to follow along with your church.

Every Wednesday I’ll post the readings from my church for the next Sunday with some questions to stimulate conversation.

Enjoy!

Mark 10:17- 22

The Rich Young Man

¹⁷ And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. ¹⁹You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” ²¹And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Things to think about:

*  A lot of people would look at this verse as an example to us.  They use it as a measuring stick for their own lives.

*  Have you sold everything you own?  Have you done enough to impress Jesus?  How much is enough?  Do you think if the man had sold everything and followed Jesus, that would have been enough?

*  Always remember that we point to Jesus as our “enough.”  I honestly believe Jesus was waiting for the man to trust him, despite his unwillingness to part with his wealth.  Remember the prayer, “I believe, help thou my unbelief.”  Jesus Christ sold it all, he gave up everything including his life for us.  We are redeemed and welcomed as children of God because Jesus died and rose.

*  We do not have to rely on ourselves, or our wealth, or even our willingness to give up our wealth to get us into heaven.  On days that you are hurting or feel like you haven’t done enough, look to Jesus.  He has paid the price, he has given it up for us.

You will need a few tools:

1. A Bible reading plan
2. A Bible
3. A Journal
4. Bible study aids

READING PLAN

The simplest option is to pick a favorite book of the Bible and start from there.

If you’re interested in getting through the entire Bible quickly, I suggest using “The Bible in 90 Days” bookmark to guide you through a whirlwind experience of the Bible.  The Bible in 90 Days’ website provides additional resources and links to others who may be using this same plan.

I am currently using Concordia Publishing House’s Today’s Light.  It takes you through the Bible in two years.  I love it!  It’s a great little magazine that shows up in your mailbox every other month.  It has wonderful insight and keeps me engaged in my reading.  The questions asked at the end of the reading often spur my SOAP Observations.

Bible Gateway has a resource where you pick a reading plan and navigate back to the page each day for your readings. Stop by to take a look if you are more of a techie than a “paper and pen” kind of person.

BIBLE

While I won’t get too in-depth, I would choose a translation (NASB, ESV, NIV) rather than a paraphrase (The Message, CEV) when doing a Bible study.  If you are interested in more information, I would suggest reading Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs article “All Those Translations.”

I am using The Lutheran Study Bible (ESV).  What a jewel!  It’s packed with maps, guides, and wonderful insights.

JOURNAL

Have fun!  Use a three-ring binder or a notebook, an expensive leather-bound  beauty or a Word document.  Just pick something and stick with it!  I use a pretty journal I bought from a local bookstore.

BIBLE STUDY AIDS

For now, use what you have.  Many Bible already have maps, prayers, and commentaries.  Use them.

Finally… SOAP

Scripture: First, follow your reading plan.  Today, I read Colossians 1:1-29.  Next, choose a verse or verses that were significant to you. Write them down in your journal.

Observation: Use this section in your journal to “chew” on this specific verse.  What is the context of the verse?  Who is the author?  Who is the audience?  What is the purpose of the verse? Use the study aids and references to guide you.  Don’t forget to ask a mentor or a pastor.  Most pastors are thrilled to answer questions, because it means you are reading God’s Word.  Don’t get overwhelmed and write a doctoral thesis (unless you enjoy that sort of thing).  Enjoy the process.

Application: Use this section to apply what you have learned to your own life.  Hear for yourself the grace and forgiveness of Christ.  Be inspired to share His mercy with those in your life.

Prayer: Finally journal your prayer.  Use the scripture verse to help shape your prayer.

My prayers are with you.  Go in God’s peace and meditate on His Word.