S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Steadfast Through the Changes

  • March 18, 2024
Even in painful moments, there’s a peace and a certainty in knowing the things that will never change. God’s love for me will never change. God’s promises for me will never change. God’s faithfulness will never change.
Instead of allowing my life to be shaken by the things that change, I choose instead to stand firm on the God who will never change.
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Scripture
Joshua 1:2-3
2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
Observation
Moses was dead. There were some things that had changed for Israel, and would never be the same as they had been. Moses was dead, and he would never again lead them across the wilderness. Moses was dead, and he would never again walk down from the mountain with tablets from God to give instruction to the people.
Moses was dead…but there were some things which would never change. God’s promise would never change. God’s future for his people would never change. God’s faithfulness would never change.
Though everything seemed to be changing for this generation of people who had only ever known Moses as their leader, there was certainty for their future because of the things that would never change.
Application
Loss is never enjoyable, and change is rarely fun. When people on whom I’ve leaned and trusted move away or die, there’s a void left behind and an element of pain in the grieving process. There’s an aching knowledge that some things will never be the same again.
Yet even in those painful moments, there’s a peace and a certainty in knowing the things that will never change. God’s love for me will never change. God’s promises for me will never change. God’s faithfulness will never change.
Instead of allowing my life to be shaken by the things that change, I choose instead to stand firm on the thing that will never change. I thank God for those who have gone before me and lived a life of faithful service in the Kingdom, and I choose to follow their example of steadfast commitment to the God who does not change.
Moses is dead…and it’s time to take a step of faith into the Jordan river.
Prayer
God, thank you for being the unchanging God! Thank you for giving me peace and certainty when everything seems to be changing, and thank you for the reminder that you are faithful through every storm and every season! Help me today to have the courage to step out in faith when you give the command, so that I could experience the fulness of your promises in my life. Thank you for the example set by those who have gone before me, and for leaders who have demonstrated a life of faith!
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The Ways and the Blessings

  • March 15, 2024
God’s blessings and God’s ways go hand in hand, inseparable from each other. His blessings always accompany his ways, and his ways always invite his blessings.
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Scripture
Deuteronomy 28:8-9, 12
8 The LORD will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And he will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. 9 The LORD will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in his ways.
12 The LORD will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
Deuteronomy 29:18b
Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, 19 one who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.’ This will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike.
Observation
God has amazing blessings in store for his people…when his people follow his ways. The problem is that God’s people decide from time to time to claim God’s blessing…while rejecting his ways. It doesn’t work! God’s blessings and God’s ways go hand in hand, inseparable from each other. His blessings always accompany his ways, and his ways always invite his blessings.
Application
What an encouraging and uplifting reminder of my Father’s blessings, and what a sober reminder that there are strings attached to them! When I pursue the heart of God and walk in his ways, I cannot help but experience his blessing–in fact, Deuteronomy 18:2 says that his blessings will ‘overtake’ me when I walk in his ways. I can’t outrun them even if I try!
It makes me remember afternoons walking along the train tracks in Oregon as a young boy, and hearing the sound of a train behind me–there would be no way for me to outrun the locomotive as it approached. Yet just like that train locomotive, I can avoid God’s blessings in my life if I step off of the path on which they are found. And just as it would be unrealistic for me to step away from the train track and still worry about being struck by a train, so it is illogical for me to live my life outside of the ways of God and expect his blessings to follow me off the tracks defined by his word.
Whether in simple and obvious ways (like living in financial debt), or in more subtle ways (having an arrogant and prideful heart)…God’s blessings cannot follow me when I step outside of the path on which the blessings are found.
Today, I choose to walk in God’s ways. I choose to live my life to the best of my ability in a way which is pleasing to him, and I choose to rely on his strength to empower me when my own strength runs out.
Prayer
God, thank you for the blessings that I am promised in your word! Thank you for your ways which guide me, and your word which challenges me daily to grow and develop in you. Help me today to quickly realize when my feet are drifting from your way, so that I could experience all of the blessing that you desire to pour into my life.

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Free to Serve

  • March 14, 2024
Scripture
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Observation
Through Christ we have freedom–but not freedom for the purpose of self-indulgence, but rather freedom for the purpose of loving rightly and serving well.
Application
Freedom is a popular topic in our nation and our culture–but usually the focus is on personal freedom to pursue my personal desires. The freedom I have in Christ is greater and deeper. It is the freedom to serve, the freedom to love, and the freedom to live out God’s purpose for my life.
Today I choose to walk in the freedom of selfless service, rather than the freedom of selfish ambition.
Prayer
God, thank you for your freedom in my life! Teach me to walk in freedom, so that I could be a light for you and a conduit of your love. May I serve you well by serving others, so that you would be glorified in my life.

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Accountability and Confidence

  • March 11, 2024
Accountability is not merely a starting-line strategy, but rather a permanent way of life for a Godly leader. Accountability is not merely a guideline for the novice, but rather a strategy which ensures long-term health for the experienced veteran. If I want to ensure God’s blessing on my life for the long run, then accountability must remain my default mode of operation.
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Scripture
Galatians 2:1-2
“Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.”
Observation
Paul displays such humility and strength in this passage. After fourteen years of ministry, one would think that Paul wouldn’t be seeking much input or discussion from the leaders in Jerusalem on his ministry to the gentiles–yet here he is, again making the trip to Jerusalem to seek perspective and input from the other Apostles and to keep himself accountable to them. He didn’t view his length of experience in ministry to be a license to operate without accountability. Yet at the same time, Paul didn’t throw open the door to public opinion and crowd-think in evaluating these important questions. He specifically sought input from Peter, James, and John. Others surely had opinions as well, but Paul knew whose wisdom he trusted.
Application
Accountability is not merely a starting-line strategy, but rather a permanent way of life for a Godly leader. Accountability is not merely a guideline for the novice, but rather a strategy which ensures long-term health for the experienced veteran. If I want to ensure God’s blessing on my life for the long run, then accountability must remain my default mode of operation.
Yet not all voices in my life are created equal! There is never a shortage of people ready and eager to give an opinion, but there are a relatively few voices that God has placed in my life to speak into me at a deeper level. Allowing every voice equally into my life leads to me being a people-pleaser. Allowing no voices into my life makes me a loose cannon and a danger to everyone. Somewhere between the two is the God-honoring balance of being humbly accountable to the right voices.
This week I choose to walk humbly, with prayerful discernment to remain accountable to those whom God has placed in my life to point me back to His word and His ways.
Prayer
God, thank you for Godly and wise leaders who speak truth into my life and guide me closer to you! Give me wisdom to seek counsel from the right voices, and give me discernment each day to kindly but decisively reject the input of voices which would not lead me closer to you.

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Disappointing Responses

  • March 7, 2024
People, even those close close to me, will not always feel the weight of my season. I cannot look to them for my strength, but neither should I discard them from my life. They have a role to play, but my strength must come from God alone.
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Scripture
Mark 14:36-37
“And he said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’ And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?'”
Observation
This was surely one of the most intense moments in Jesus’ life, as he grappled with the weight of what he was about to endure. Though the disciples were with him, they could not comprehend the weight of this moment. Jesus could have reacted in anger and offense, and called off the whole thing–instead he confronted them in love, and kept moving forward on his mission.
Application
People, even those close close to me, will not always feel the weight of my season. I cannot look to them for my strength, but neither should I discard them from my life. They have a role to play, but my strength must come from God alone.
Prayer
God, help me to respond with your heart when people display imperfection! May I always look to your for the strength I need on the journey.

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Be On Your Guard

  • March 6, 2024
Jesus tells me to expect hardship, but he warns me to keep a right perspective. When facing the fire, I am not there merely to suffer: I am there to shine brightly for my King!
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Scripture
Mark 13:9
“Be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.”
Observation
All of these uncomfortable and challenging things can be expected to happen, according to Jesus. Persecution, opposition, inquisition…all of it is going to take place for a specific reason: for the church of God to carry Christ’s light, into dark places. Jesus said to be ‘on our guard’: not in thinking that we can avoid hardship, but rather that we would not miss the opportunity to be a witness.
Application
Perspective changes the whole situation. Perspective makes the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity, between a problem and a possibility. Jesus tells me to expect hardship, but he warns me to keep a right perspective. When facing the fire, I am not there merely to suffer: I am there to shine brightly for my King!
Prayer
God, help me to be on guard not to miss an opportunity to testify to your greatness. Even when the situation feels adverse, and even when I am facing hardship, may my perspective allow me to see (and seize) every opportunity to point the world to you!

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Boundary Markers

  • March 4, 2024
God’s blessings are not limited by his capacity to give, but rather by my capacity handle what he gives me. He knows my heart and my capacity, and so I must trust his sovereignty and his love for me when he defines the boundary of my blessing.
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Scripture
Numbers 34:1-3
1 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the people of Israel, and say to them, When you enter the land of Canaan (this is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance, the land of Canaan as defined by its borders), 3 your south side shall be from the wilderness of Zin alongside Edom, and your southern border shall run from the end of the Salt Sea on the east.
Observation
God was giving an incredible blessing of inheritance to his people. He was fulfilling the promise made to Abraham, for which the Hebrew people had waited for so long! What an exciting time for them–but God doesn’t start by simply turning them loose to go and claim whatever land they desire. Instead, he begins by very clearly defining what portions of land will NOT belong to them.
Their ability to walk in God’s blessing, was directly related to their willingness to acknowledge the boundaries of what God would bless.
Application
I can walk confidently in the blessings of God with absolute certainty that He loves me and desires to bless me abundantly. But His desire to bless me, does not give me the right to claim or demand his blessing in places that He has not given to me. There are boundary markers between the ‘blessed life’, and a life which God will not bless. When I demand what I want instead of surrendering to His sovereignty, I am effectively stepping beyond the boundary of my inheritance.
Walking in God’s blessing is not merely about claiming his blessing, or having faith to receive his blessing. Walking in blessing is about allowing God to define the blessings that he is putting into my hands. His blessings are not limited by his capacity to give, but rather by my capacity handle what he gives me. He knows my heart and my capacity, and so I must trust his sovereignty and his love for me when he defines the boundary of my blessing.
Prayer
God, thank you for blessing me so generously! I don’t deserve your love, but I am grateful for it. Help me to walk confidently and not hesitantly in my inheritance, but with a clear understanding of the boundaries you have defined. You know my capacity to handle what you give me, and so I choose to walk humbly and trust you with the boundary markers.

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He Sees Me

  • February 27, 2024
There are seasons and storms that I’ve faced, and felt completely alone. There are waves that have crashed on top of me, and I didn’t see anyone else next to me. But the truth is that I never have (and never will) face life’s storms alone–because THE SAVIOR SEES ME.
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Scripture
Mark 6:47-48a
47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
Observation
The disciples were battling the wind and waves throughout the night, and Jesus was nowhere around. They were working, struggling, fighting to make progress…and Jesus saw them. I don’t know how, but he saw them! Though the night was dark and the wind was howling, he had not taken his eyes off of his disciples. Though they saw no one in the boat with them, they were not facing the storm alone.
Application
Loneliness in a struggle is one of the worst things to experience. Being alone is not always bad–but loneliness is a whole different issue. There are seasons and storms that I’ve faced, and felt completely alone. There are waves that have crashed on top of me, and I didn’t see anyone else next to me. But the truth is that I never have (and never will) face life’s storms alone–because THE SAVIOR SEES ME. Even when I don’t see him, HE SEES ME. Even when things are dark…HE SEES ME. Even when I’m feeling adrift…HE SEES ME. Even on sleepless nights…HE SEES ME. And more than just seeing me…he has a personal interest in bringing me safely through the storms that I face.
This week, I choose to trust the one who sees me. I choose to rely on his strength, and rest in the peace of knowing that the wind and waves are not greater than the one who spoke the world into existence, and who speaks the storms into calm seas.
Prayer
God, thank you for seeing me! Thank you for being present and for being strong even when I don’t see you. I choose today to trust you in every storm, knowing that there is no situation I could face which is beyond your ability to bring me safely through.

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Conflict Management

  • February 21, 2024
Paul tackled conflict head-on in a Christ-like way, with the result that people around him came to know Christ.
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Scripture
Acts 28:17
“After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.”
Observation
Paul was in chains because of the Jewish leaders, and I would have expected him to keep a low profile when he arrived in Rome–yet here he is, directly confronting the issue and boldly proclaiming God’s truth! He tackled the issue head-on, with the result that some of those Jewish leaders came to know Christ.
Application
What a great course Paul could have taught on conflict management and dealing with difficult people! Instead of assuming the worst about these mend and judging them by their counterparts in Jerusalem, he gave them an opportunity to respond to truth. He tackled the issue with no apology, but also without a personal vendetta. He simply stated the relevant facts, and let them respond as they chose.
I need to learn from Paul this week! Some issues must be confronted without hesitation or apology, so that they are not given a chance to hinder the mission. I can’t control how others respond to confrontation, I can only work to keep my own heart right before God and let him accomplish what he desires through the situation.
Prayer
God, help me this week to handle conflict in a way which honors you. Not by avoiding it, or by allowing my emotions to fan the flames, but by directly confronting conflict with truth and a heart of love.

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Resting and Walking

  • February 20, 2024
The shepherd’s love causes me to rest, and also to move.  He causes me to lie down in the pasture, and urges me forward on the path in spite of my reluctance. He knows the limits of my strength, and he knows the path ahead.
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Scripture
Psalm 23:1-3
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Observation
“He makes me lie down in green pastures” – Why?
Evidently, because the sheep doesn’t always know when a rest is needed.
“He leads me in paths of righteousness…” – Why?
Because a sheep at rest doesn’t always recognize when it’s time to start moving again.
Application
God knows what I need, long before I do. When I’m pushing full-steam ahead, it’s frustrating to be slowed down by obstacles. Whether illness, a flat tire, a delayed shipment, or anything else–often what I see as an obstacle is actually the shepherd causing me to lie down for a moment.
If I’m fixated on the path that I’d rather be walking on…I can completely miss the benefit of the green pasture.
Once I’ve rested though, I can become complacent and comfortable in the pasture and lose my urgency and interest in walking forward. At those moments, the shepherd’s love urges me forward in spite of my reluctance. He knows the limits of my strength, and he knows the path ahead.
So today, I choose to walk at the pace of my shepherd–resting when He causes me to rest, and walking forward when He leads me to move.
Prayer
God, thank you for rest! Help me to gladly receive your rest when you cause me to lie down in green pastures. I don’t want to miss the beauty and tranquility around me! Help me to cheerfully walk forward when it’s time to start moving, following you on the path instead of allowing rest to decay into laziness.
I choose to move at your pace.

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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
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