S.O.A.P.

I follow a blog called Women Living Well and have seen her mention S.O.A.P. a couple of times during bible study. Trying to learn more about it, it led me to another site called Mom's Toolbox. You can learn more about S.O.A.P here. Here is the Cliffnotes version for you impatient people: Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. I am just starting to study the book of Titus and I thought what better time than now to give this a try. Anyway, it's good stuff. I thought I'd share with you what I learned.

S- "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrputed. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." -Titus 1:15-16

O- How are my actions? How am I viewed by others? While I am not suppose to care what others think, my actions are my witness to many- especially those that don't know me personally. How am I with my children? Do I exude Christ's patience? Do my children and on-lookers even see Christ in me at all? I fill my mind, at most times, with pure music, books, movies-but what about my thoughts and the deepest places of my heart? Too often I am too quick to judge or think badly. Although I don't verbalize my thoughts all the time, the Heavenly Father knows each and every one. Are they pleasing to Him?

A- It's time to not only think before I speak, but think before I think. My brain has been taught to think in this world. I need to retrain/reteach my brain and mind. While I am in this world, as a believer in Christ I am not of this world. There is a higher standard I've been called to and that higher standard applies AT ALL TIMES. Not just on my good days, not just when people are watching but even behind closed doors. For this is when my true character is revealed. It's time to stop and really think. My actions do speak louder than words. I'm just scared waht they might be saying to others, especially my children. I am one of the biggest influences in their lives. It is up to me to make it a positive, God-loving atmosphere in our home.

P- Father, I fall so short. I think horrible things and say horrible things. My words and my actions are noe always pleasing. My flesh and my soul are at war daily. I need your help Lord. Help me deal with the worldly ways with a heart and mind as pure as Christ. Let me be more aware of my actions and how they can directly and indirectly affect others. Help me exude your love and your patience. Thank you God for loving me even when I am not loveable. Amen.