S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

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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Boldness and Restraint

  • February 12, 2024
Whether in boldness or restraint, Paul’s objective was that people experience more of God–and he didn’t let his own ego and desire to be ‘right’, derail what God was wanting to accomplish.
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Scripture
Acts 19:2,9
2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.
Observation
Paul displayed an amazing blend of boldness and restraint. When he had an opportunity to speak further truth into the believers at Corinth, he boldly addressed some gaps in their spiritual understanding–with the result that they were filled with the Spirit and experienced more of God’s power. Yet when some of them became stubborn and resistant to Paul’s teaching, he backed off and didn’t become contentious or argumentative with them–with the result that God’s word was shared throughout the Roman province of Asia.
Whether in boldness or restraint, Paul’s objective was that people experience more of God–and he didn’t let his own ego and desire to be ‘right’, derail what God was wanting to accomplish.
Application
I have so far to go on finding this balance! The courage to be bold, with the humility to gracefully accept rejection–that’s a learning curve which I must daily pursue. I can’t accomplish Christ’s purpose in me if I simply sit back to passively watch the world around me–I must be fully engaged, bold, and confident. Yet when people reject the truth that I speak, I must be just as ready to handle rejection in a Christ-honoring way. My job is to speak truth in love–his job is to convict, redeem, and transform hearts.
When I find myself becoming pushy, aggressive, argumentative, or defensive, I must ask myself “Why?”
This kind of a reaction in my heart usually indicates that I’ve begun to overstep the role that God has called me to play…and I need to take a step back and let Him be the Lord in the situation.
This week, I pray for boldness to speak truth…and humility to gracefully accept rejection.
Prayer
God, thank you for the strength and courage you give me, to live boldly for you! Help me to never slip into a mindset of passive observation of the world around me. You created me for a purpose, to speak your truth and to share your Good News! When people reject the truth that I speak, help me to handle it gracefully instead of becoming argumentative. I invite you to be the Lord, and to take your rightful place in my life. May all that I say and do result in hearts being drawn to you, and in your name being glorified!

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I’m Conflicted!

  • February 8, 2024
How do I react when conflict happens? Some things are worth disagreeing over, but how does it affect my heart? Do I let it come between me and God, or derail me from the mission? Instead, I must keep my heart right before God and keep walking forward.
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Scripture
Acts 15:38-39
“But Paul thought it best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them in the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other.”
Observation
Disagreement is never fun, but it’s certainly no stranger to the family of God. Even while Jesus walked on earth, the disciples squabbled–and we’ve never stopped since!
Paul and Barnabas had a ‘sharp disagreement’, and parted ways–but they parted ways while still walking forward in the kingdom, still pursuing the same mission…and eventually God brought restoration to their relationship.
Application
Disagreements happen. Large or small, major or minor…put two or more people in the same room, and there will be something to disagree about.
How do I react when this happens? Some things are worth disagreeing over, but how does it affect my heart? Do I let it come between me and God? Do I let it derail me from the mission? Or do I keep my heart right before God and keep walking forward?
I must walk with a heart that is ready to forgive and reconcile. It may not happen right away, but eventually Christ’s presence will inevitably lead toward reconciliation if I keep walking toward him.
Prayer
God, help me to navigate conflict in a way which honors you! Even when conflict is necessary, help me to keep my heart on track and ready to reconcile. May I never allow unforgiveness to hinder the purpose for which you created me.

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Speak In Such A Way

  • February 7, 2024
Words have tremendous power! Today, I choose and desire to speak words of life and blessing rather than death and cursing.

Today’s SOAP journal is brought to you by Carrie Phipps. Carrie serves in the Kingdom by teaching discipleship classes, and by leading one of our weekly SOAP journaling groups.
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Scripture
Acts 14:1, 19
1 Now at Iconium, they (Paul and Barnabas) entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.
19 But Jews can from Antioch and Iconium and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
Observation
These two verses reflect the power of our words/tongues. In the first case, Paul and Barnabas spoke words of life that brought salvation and eternal life in Jesus to the Jews and Greeks who heard them. In vs 19, the words of the Jews brought death as the hearers heard words of death and destruction and stoned Paul.
Application
My words too, have tremendous power and I should never underestimate their power. Deuteronomy 30 tells me to choose life and blessings rather than death and cursing. Prov 18:21 also warns me that my tongue has the power of life and death, and James 3:6 tells me that my tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. Today, I choose and desire to speak words of life and blessing rather than death and cursing.
Prayer
Father- thank you for your Holy Spirit – your spirit of truth that brings conviction and correction. Holy Spirit keep my heart, my thoughts and especially my words in check that I may think and speak words of life and blessing rather than death and cursing. Let me speak in such a way that will lead others to Jesus – in your mighty name I pray!

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