S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Broken and Contrite

  • May 6, 2024
God isn’t just interested in the quantifiable metrics of my life–he’s looking at the state of my heart. Instead of trying to navigate life solely by the actions I perform, I must instead go back daily to the ‘heart stuff’.
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Scripture
Psalm 51:16-17
“For you will not delight in sacrifice or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Observation
Actions matter- but God looks beyond mere ‘good actions’, to see the heart behind it. Sacrifices from a proud heart are not what he’s looking for. Offerings from an unrepentant heart will not be pleasing to him. A heart that is repentant, broken, and aware of its own need is what he is looking for.
Application
Actions can be quantified and measured. Heart stuff…not so much. Yet God isn’t just interested in the quantifiable metrics of my life–he’s looking at the state of my heart. Instead of trying to navigate life solely by the actions I perform, I must instead go back daily to the ‘heart stuff’. I must allow God to convict me of my sin. I must acknowledge and feel my need for God. I must grieve with the grief of repentance–and I must come humbly to him…not claiming that I’ve already solved my issue, but aware that I cannot.
Prayer
God, thank you for your love and mercy! I come humbly to you today, with a broken and contrite heart. Cleanse me and wash me, and make me more like you!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Integrity

  • April 29, 2024
Integrity goes beyond what I am explicitly obligated to do. It’s the thing that must define my actions when the situation isn’t completely ‘wrong’…but neither is it ‘right’.
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Scripture
2 Samuel 4:11
“How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and destroy you from the earth?”
Observation
David definitely benefitted from the death of Ishbosheth, and he had complete deniability in this situation. His hands were clean, and he could just sit back and reap the benefits of this man’s murder with no repercussions…but his integrity required him to enforce justice in the situation anyway.
Application
Integrity goes beyond what I am explicitly obligated to do. Integrity is the thing that must guide my steps even when I have plausible deniability. It’s the thing that must define my actions when the situation isn’t completely ‘wrong’…but neither is it ‘right’. I choose this week to walk in God-honoring integrity, even when it would be more personally beneficial to turn a blind eye.
Prayer
God, help me to follow the example of David and walk daily according to the heart-constraints of integrity…not merely by the requirements of a rule book. I want you to be pleased with the inward condition of my heart!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Whispers in the Dark

  • April 23, 2024
The darkness doesn’t bring God’s voice any nearer–it simply gives me the choice of focusing on my fearful imagination…or on his quiet whisper. This week, I choose to focus on the quiet whisper of God’s voice.
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Scripture
Matthew 10:19-20, 26-27
19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
Observation
Our lives are not to be ruled by fear of men, but rather to be lived in the confidence of the Father’s love. Our words are not to be the anxious stumblings of self-defensiveness, but rather the confident assertions of eternal truth. That confidence comes from time spent in the dark and quiet places with God, focusing solely on His voice.
Application
I don’t like dark seasons. I like to be able to clearly see the path ahead, and know where my next step is going to land. But often, I find that God’s voice becomes the most audible in the darkest times. The darkness doesn’t bring God’s voice any nearer–it simply gives me the choice of focusing on my fearful imagination…or on his quiet whisper.
This week, I choose to focus on the quiet whisper of God’s voice. When facing the dark and unknown, I choose to listen intently for his voice of love instead of letting the real or imaginary dangers around me consume my attention.
There will come a moment when it will be time to shout from the rooftop that which he is whispering to me now–so I must listen closely.
Prayer
God, thank you for your quiet voice which guides and strengthens me. Help me to hear you clearly each day, instead of listening to the voice of my own fear. Give me boldness to let my dark seasons become an anthem of your faithfulness, so that my testimony could encourage someone else to walk closer to you.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Learning, Not Just Admitting

  • April 22, 2024
When confronted by my failures, I want to learn and grow forward–not keep repeating the same dumb decisions.
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Scripture
1 Samuel 26:21
“Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.”
Observation
Saul admitted his wrongdoing when confronted…but he was not truly repentant. He admitted guilt, but never truly changed his course.
Application
Scripture says that a double minded man is unstable in every way–and that’s what I see in Saul. The admission of guilt was not enough to turn his heart around, because he was still double minded.
I don’t want to be a Saul! When confronted by my failures, I want to learn and grow forward–not keep repeating the same dumb decisions.
Prayer
God, help me to learn your ways–and not merely admit my own shortcomings. Teach me to be daily more like you!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Taste and See

  • April 18, 2024
God’s goodness cannot be fully grasped without experiencing it. The step of ‘tasting’ God’s goodness brings awareness of more wonder, more blessing, more goodness than could be seen before.
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Scripture
Psalm 34:8
“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Observation
God’s goodness cannot be fully grasped without experiencing it. The step of ‘tasting’ God’s goodness brings awareness of more wonder, more blessing, more goodness than could be seen before.
Application
There are glimpses I can get of God. I see His power displayed in nature. I see his provision in the lives of his children. I see his truth revealed in his word. But at some point, I must ‘taste’ his goodness for myself in order to more fully see him as he is. His goodness must be willingly experienced, to be fully understood.
This week, I choose to welcome all of God’s presence that I can see and understand, so that he can reveal his presence and power more fully to me.
Prayer
God, I don’t want to sit back and merely observe you! I want to experience you fully, and know your goodness like never before.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Cost of Worship

  • April 17, 2024
Worship always costs something. The only question is who am I worshiping, and what price am I willing to pay? Am I worshiping earthly success, and paying an eternal price? Or am I paying a temporary price in this life, to worship the Creator and receive an eternal reward?
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Scripture
Matthew 4:9-10
“And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'”
Observation
There is a cost to worship. Jesus was faced with this cost when tempted–and he chose to pay the price of earthly power and authority in order to worship the Father. But truthfully, there would have been a corresponding cost if he had given in to temptation and worshiped the tempter: He would have had to pay the price of his relationship with the Father.
Application
Worship always costs something. The only question is who am I worshiping, and what price am I willing to pay? Am I worshiping earthly success, and paying an eternal price? Or am I paying a temporary price in this life, to worship the Creator and receive an eternal reward?
I choose to worship God alone. The temporary rewards of this life, are simply not worth the cost!
Prayer
God, may my heart be set on you alone–because you alone are worth of my worship!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Battle Is The Lord’s

  • April 15, 2024
Today’s SOAP journal is brought to you by a member of our NHL ohana, Dave Kidder!
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Scripture
1 Samuel 17:47
“And that all this assembly may know that the Lord saved not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hand.”
Psalm 9:9-10
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
Observation
So many times we see people try to fight things on their own, or relying strictly on material things to get situations done when they are struggling…instead of coming to God first for help, and relying on Him to guide them.
Application
Once again I need to put pride aside and ask Him for help. He will show me what tools are needed to get the situation done. I just need to seek His help.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for always being there to listen, always having an open door for us to find you! I pray that we can cast aside our fears and doubts, and come into your warm embrace–for you alone can handle whatever troubles us.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Lost in Transit?

  • April 12, 2024
The same God who created the opportunity and made the promise, will be faithful to fulfill his promise whether the timeline is what I expected or not. Today I choose to wait on God, with my heart attuned to him–instead of trying to take control over that which I’ve not been given authority over.
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Scripture
1 Samuel 13:8-9
8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering.
Observation
Samuel notified King Saul of the specific day and time that he was planning to arrive…but the day came and went, and Samuel was nowhere to be seen. The people became restless and fearful, and started to drift away. Saul felt time running out, and realized the tide was shifting against him–and so he took the lead. Firmly. Decisively. Authoritatively. Just as a king should!
Unfortunately, his actions violated God’s law. Though it seemed to make sense from the perspective of kingly strategy, his decision was catastrophically damaging–and ultimately cost Saul his kingdom. The thing that Saul forgot, was that God himself had appointed Saul as king–not the people. The people were drifting away from him…but his kingdom was not dependent on the people to start with.
Application
Today I opened a dispute with a company, regarding an item that I ordered which has not arrived. The guaranteed delivery date was over two weeks ago, so I’ve notified them that I’d like a refund. In the course of opening a dispute, they wanted me to send them a photograph to document my issue. I’m not sure how they expected me to photograph the box that hasn’t arrived, so I sent them a photo of my empty hand instead. Hopefully that will suffice to get me my refund!
There have been moments in my walk with God when it feels like the package has been lost in transit. I know what God told me, and I know that his promises are trustworthy…but here I sit, empty-handed and waiting for the package to arrive! There’s nothing I can do to speed it up, or to find out for sure what is causing the delay. All I can do is wait where God said to wait, and ‘wait well’. Time may be running out, and the window of opportunity may be closing…but the opportunity didn’t come from human origin anyway– And the same God who created the opportunity and made the promise, will be faithful to fulfill his promise whether the timeline is what I expected or not.
Today I choose to wait on God, with my heart attuned to him–instead of trying to take control over that which I’ve not been given authority over.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder that you don’t operate on my schedule. Help me to wait on you, and trust that you are still sovereign even when it seems that you’ve missed the deadline. I trust you to fulfill your promises at the right time.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Logic and Leading

  • April 10, 2024
In my life, there are needs that are plain to see, and decisions which must be made. But my own logic and reasoning will not accomplish the right outcome, if I neglect God’s voice in the process–and decisions made in absence of the Holy Spirit will have far reaching consequences.
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Scripture
1 Samuel 8:1-3
“When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after gain. They took bribes, and perverted justice.
Observation
The nation of Israel is sometimes criticized for demanding a king, but the issue started with Samuel. Instead of seeking God to choose a successor, he appointed his own sons and turned a blind eye to their lack of character. Samuel’s lack of listening for God’s voice and tolerance of corruption in his sons resulted in the entire nation demanding something which was not God’s best for them.
Application
Logic and planning is not enough. Human reasoning says that a leader needs a successor–but Godly wisdom requires that even the plainly obvious needs must be entrusted to the hands of God.
In my life, there are needs that are plain to see, and decisions which must be made. But my own logic and reasoning will not accomplish the right outcome, if I neglect God’s voice in the process–and decisions made in absence of the Holy Spirit will have far reaching consequences.
Prayer
God, help me this week to operate in Holy Spirit wisdom…not just in logic and strategy. May the results of what I do, draw people closer to you–instead of driving them farther away from your perfect plan.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Wondrous Things

  • April 9, 2024
This week, I choose to let my heart again be captivated by the wonder of the God that I serve–instead of staying daily distracted by that which cannot last.
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Scripture
Psalm 72:18-19
18 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. 19 Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!
Observation
This psalm of Solomon is a prayer for the blessing of God on Solomon’s kingdom, and a reminder of just how powerful God is. Solomon prayed for his kingdom to prosper, but he concludes the prayer by declaring again that all truly ‘wondrous things’ come from God alone. Though Solomon’s kingdom was a glorious place full of wondrous things, Solomon chose to focus his heart on the God who alone is truly wondrous and amazing.
Application
We live in a time of wonder. There are space programs and engineering feats to marvel at. There are technologies that captivate our attention, and entertainment options to keep us occupied. There are Google assistants and Siri’s and ChatGPT’s to give us information. There are great accomplishments being performed somewhere in the world every day…and it can be very easy to let all of these things capture our full attention instead of keeping our hearts focused on God. And although all of these things are amazing…none of them will last. My phone will be outdated next month, my apps will eventually seem glitchy and slow, Siri will be replaced by something else, SpaceX will be overtaken by another competitor, and Angry Birds is eventually replaced by Flappy Bird.
The truly ‘wondrous things’ are the things that last:
God’s love.
God’s faithfulness.
God’s abundant blessings.
God’s redemption story.
God’s power.
This week, I choose to let my heart again be captivated by the wonder of the God that I serve–instead of staying daily distracted by that which cannot last.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of what is truly ‘wondrous’. Thank you for who you are, and for loving me! Help me to keep things in the right context, and not allow my heart and my attention to be consumed by that which may seem ‘wondrous’ for a moment, but will inevitably fade and pass away.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
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