Welcome!

This blog is home to our GPC Middle School Girls' Bible Study group!  We will be studying the book of Esther, alongside some other passages in the Bible as they relate to our Esther readings.  We will be following a Bible reading plan created by Love God Greatly--you can download the plan on your computer or cell phone here https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/1023-love-god-greatly-esther?id=1023-love-god-greatly-esther so that you always know the next passage!  The plan is designed for daily readings, but we will be doing one reading each week.

Each week there will be a new passage for you to read and post your thoughts on.  To post your thoughts, you can use the SOAP method:

 Scripture- Type out the verse or verses that stuck out to you from our reading. You’ll be amazed at what God will reveal to you just by taking the time to slow down and actually write out what you are reading!

   Observation - What did I notice in the verses I just read?  Who is the audience?  Were certain words repeated?  What was the big idea?  Was a comparison or contrast made?  Do I have any questions about what I just read?

 Application - So what?  How can I apply the observation so that it affects my life today?  What changes do I need to make?  What is God saying to me?

 Prayer - Write out a prayer to God based on what you just learned and ask Him to help you apply this truth in your life.   You can also share a prayer request or a praise here -- whatever you are comfortable with!

Thats all there is to it! 

Studying God’s Word like this can take as little or as long as you have time to give. Some days it can take just 10 or 15 minutes, other days longer.

A word of advice--I have been SOAPing in a Bible study group for a few months now, and I have found that it's easier/more effective for me to to do it on my own first (after a quick prayer, asking God to open my eyes and help me learn/see something new today), then go back and read what other people said, and respond to that if I want to.  I feel like that way, the things I am typing are my own thoughts (that God has given me) and I'm not distracted by things other people said.  But you do what works for you--if reading what other people have commented makes you feel inspired and better able to do it yourself, go ahead!  :)  I am looking forward to the things we will learn about God and about each other as we do this together!