S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

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

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

In Sync

  • February 5, 2024
I must pay close attention to what God is doing. Is he moving forward? Is he remaining still for a time? My life must be so closely connected to his heart, that his steps become my own. When I do that, I can navigate even the hostile wilderness with confidence–because the cloud of God’s glory and power will lead the way.
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Scripture
Exodus 40:36-38
36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
Observation
The people of Israel kept God in sight and in mind. When God moved, they moved. When God didn’t move, they stayed put. The tabernacle was ‘in the sight of all the house of Israel’ at all times.
Application
I’ve gotten out of step with God many times…and it never works out well. Whether I’m charging ahead faster than he is leading, or lagging behind him as he moves forward, or even when I’m heading in a completely different direction, life just doesn’t work out well when I’m not in step with God.
The only way I can stay in step with him, is to make sure that I’m watching him at all times. If I’m not paying attention to what God is doing, I can’t stay in sync! Like playing my guitar without listening to the drummer, my life will inevitably drift out of sync with the reference point.
This week, I must pay close attention to what God is doing. Is he moving forward? Is he remaining still for a time? My life must be so closely connected to his heart, that his steps become my own. When I do that, I can navigate even the hostile wilderness with confidence–because the cloud of God’s glory and power will lead the way.
Prayer
God, thank you for the presence of your Holy Spirit! Lead me this week I pray, through every situation and circumstance. May I not lag behind when you are moving forward, nor charge ahead when you remain still. Help me to clearly see you move, so that I would stay in sync with you!

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

My Chosen Portion

  • February 2, 2024
Though life presents many tempting and attractive options, I know that the Lord is the only one who will never fail me or let me down. Over and over he has proven himself faithful and trustworthy. Over and over he has shown his love and mercy. Over and over he has extended his forgiveness and compassion.
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Scripture
Psalm 16:5
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.”
Observation
“The Lord is my chosen portion“. This implies that the psalmist had other ‘portions’ he could have chosen…and he chose the Lord.
Application
It’s usually not hard to make a choice when I have only one option. If vanilla ice cream is the only flavor we have…then I’ll pick vanilla! But what about when all the options are laid out before me?
Though life presents many tempting and attractive options, I know that the Lord is the only one who will never fail me or let me down. Over and over he has proven himself faithful and trustworthy. Over and over he has shown his love and mercy. Over and over he has extended his forgiveness and compassion.
Today I declare with the writer of Psalm 16, “The Lord is my chosen portion!”
Prayer
God, thank you for choosing me! Thank you for offering me your love and forgiveness. Today I declare and resolve that you are my chosen portion. I need no other options or backup plans–you are sufficient, you are good, and you are my king.

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

Here am I

  • February 1, 2024
The Levites were chosen and ordained by God to holy service not because they were the most skilled, the most highly qualified, or the smartest. They were ordained for one simple reason: When push came to shove, they chose to stand on the side of Godliness and truth.
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Scripture
Exodus 32:26, 29
“…then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the Lord’s side? Come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered around him.”
“And Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for the service of the Lord, each one at the cost of his son and of his brother, so that he might bestow a blessing upon you this day.”
Observation
The Levites were chosen and ordained by God to holy service–not because they were the most skilled, the most highly qualified, or the smartest. They were ordained for one simple reason: they were on the Lord’s side. When push came to shove, they chose to stand on the side of Godliness and truth.
Application
My opportunity to be used by God is not dependent on technical skill, PhD’s, or personal achievement. My service in God’s kingdom is dependent on just one thing: when the call comes, will I answer the call and stand on the side of the Savior?
When my answer to him is “Here am I!”, I open the door for him to accomplish exactly what he desires in and through my life.
Today I choose to answer God’s call, and to stand boldly on his truth.
Prayer
God, give me the courage today to say “Here am I!” when you call. Use me for your glory, as I stand for you my King.

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

The Sound Of My Heart

  • January 31, 2024
What sound accompanies my heart when I enter God’s presence? Do I enter His holy presence with the discordant cacophony of strife and disunity? Or do I take the time to prepare my heart to enter His presence with the God-pleasing sound of humility and repentance?
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Scripture
Exodus 28:33-35
“On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them, a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.”
Observation
Aaron and the priests were to make a specific sound as they worshipped. Their movement through the tabernacle was to be accompanied by the sound of bells, and they were cautioned not to approach God with the wrong sound.
Application
I’m glad I don’t live in the days of robes and incense and sacrifices. But this verse makes me wonder: what sound accompanies me when I enter God’s presence? Not the audible sound of bells and adornments…but the sound of my heart.
Do I come before God with the selfish sound of grumbling and complaining? Do I enter His holy presence with the discordant cacophony of strife and disunity? Or do I take the time to prepare my heart to enter His presence with the God-pleasing sound of humility and repentance?
This week, I choose to make sure that my heart-sound is right, as I approach the throne of the King of kings.
Prayer
God, thank you for the privilege of being able to spend time in your presence. May the sound of my heart be pleasing to your ears, as I reverently enter the holy place of your presence this week.

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

Why?

  • January 30, 2024
When the ‘why’ is clear, the ‘what’ becomes a privilege and a joy.
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Scripture
Exodus 25:1-9
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. 3 And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, 4 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats’ hair, 5 tanned rams’ skins, goatskins, acacia wood, 6 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 7 onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. 9 Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.
Observation
God told Moses to receive a contribution from the people of precious metals, costly textiles, oils, and gemstones. The contributions weren’t to be coerced from every member of the community, but rather it was to be ‘received’ from those whose heart was moved to give. Then God went on to paint a beautiful mental image for Moses of the purpose for which these contributions were to be used. God supplied the vision and purpose, and gave to Moses the responsibility of sharing that vision with those who were called to help fulfill it.
Application
“Why, dad?” This phrase gets repeated nonstop each day at our house. “Why dad? Why is the sky blue? Why do I have to make my bed? Why is it important to eat vegetables? Why can’t I spend all afternoon playing Minecraft?”
The question ‘why’ is one that every person asks. There is something in us which needs to see the big picture, and to understand the outcome to which our work is leading.
In the Kingdom of God, we have a glorious future and outcome toward which we are laboring. The vision that God has given paints a picture of lives knit together in community, bound by love, submitted to the King, being daily perfected by His Spirit, helping each other on the journey, and someday culminating in our arrival into our eternal home that He has prepared for each of us. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?!
I can’t fulfill the King’s purpose if I merely tell people ‘what’: Instead, I must learn to communicate the ‘why’ in such a way that their heart is moved to respond and join in the mission. When the ‘why’ is clear, the ‘what’ becomes a privilege and a joy.
This week, I choose to center my own heart on the ‘why’, and point others to the ‘why’ that God has given us.
Prayer
God, thank you for the promises of your word, and for the amazing future you have in store for each of your children! Help me never to get so focused on the ‘what’, that I forget the ‘why’. Help me to effectively communicate the vision of your Kingdom this week in such a way that hearts are set on fire, lives are empowered, and dreams are released for your glory. You are amazing, and you are good!

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

Compassion and Truth

  • January 29, 2024
Grace and mercy may be more necessary in some situations than others, but it must always be based on truth and not falsehood.
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Scripture
Exodus 23: 2-3, 6
“You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice, nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit.”
“You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit.”
Observation
Although compassion honors God, perverting justice in the name of compassion does not honor him. These two verses caution against perverting justice for (or against) a man based on his socio-economic status. Truth is still truth regardless of my social agenda, personal preference, compassion, or lack thereof.
Application
What an interesting contrast between these two verses, yet what a beautiful consistency of character is taught! God is not a respecter of persons, and neither should his children be. This week, I need to watch how I interact with people. Grace and mercy may be more necessary in some situations than others, but it must always be based on truth and not falsehood.
This week I choose to stand on truth, walk in truth, and speak truth.
Prayer
God, thank you for not being a respecter of persons. Thank you for being the God of truth, and help me this week to stand unwaveringly on truth–no matter who the other party is that I am dealing with. May I live with a heart not only of your compassion, but also of your character.

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

Mapping the Route

  • January 25, 2024
Today’s SOAP journal is brought to you by Hannah Kossow.
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Scripture
Exodus 13: 17 (NIV)
“Then it came to pass, when Pharoah let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through Philistine country, even though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.”
Observation
It’s significant to note that there was a shorter route to the Promised Land, and God knew he could have taken the Israelites that way. Why not? From this passage, God knew that if the people faced the level of opposition that war brings they would have turned back. What’s ironic is that the people were “armed for battle” when they left Egypt (13:18). Perhaps they thought they were ready to face the danger that lay ahead; but, God knew they weren’t ready to fight. They would have to fight for the Promise eventually, but not yet. For now, they would learn to trust God as He fought on their behalf.
Application
My journey with God is character and trust building. Instead of focusing on the length of time– trying to strategize the best and most efficient way of achieving my goals, ask God to prepare me for what He has in store for me. I may think I am prepared (like the Israelites dressing for war), but God knows what I am ready for and will lead me accordingly.
I am not a disappointment to God when I have limited, faltering trust. The round-about way that God led the Israelites on took them through Mt. Sinai, and this is the same mountain where God first spoke with Moses at the burning bush. It was on Mt. Sinai that Moses receives the call from God to lead Israel out of Egypt. God told Moses,
“And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.'” (Exodus 3:12)
So, God knew ahead of time which route Israel would take. He knew that they wouldn’t have the courage to fight Philistine, and that wasn’t a disappointment to God; it was a part of his plan all along.
Prayer
God, thank you that my imperfect faith does not derail your plans. Thank you for being the perfector and finisher of my faith. Where my faith falls short, you meet me there and lead me on paths that demonstrate your faithfulness and love. Please prepare my character and trust for the things you have in store, so that fear isn’t the thing to hold me back.

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