S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Approaching Victory

  • January 24, 2024
In Christ I know that the outcome will be deliverance and divine breakthrough, whatever the battle is–and so the longer the battle lasts, the closer my breakthrough becomes if I am in Christ.
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Scripture
Exodus 10:27-29
27 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. 28 Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die.” 29 Moses said, “As you say! I will not see your face again.”
Observation
This could have been such a dark moment for Moses. Pharaoh had continually hedged and hesitated in letting the people go–seeming to be willing to relent, and then suddenly reverting to obstinate refusal. At least up until this point he had been willing to give them an audience–but now Pharaoh had given an ultimatum: ‘Drop the idea of leaving, or die’!
Never before had freedom been so far away…but never before had God’s deliverance been so close.
Application
I’ve heard it said that the night is darkest just before dawn. I don’t know if that’s true, but I know that breakthrough feels the farthest away, when it has never been closer. The longer the struggle has gone on, the longer the battle has lasted…the more discouragement grows.
In Christ I know that the outcome is deliverance and divine breakthrough, whatever the battle is–and so the longer the battle lasts, the closer my breakthrough becomes if I am in Christ!
This week, I need to keep my heart in tune with the victory bringer. Instead of focusing on how long the struggle has been, I need to keep my eyes on the approaching victory.
Instead of panicking over Pharaoh’s ultimatum, I need to listen for the voice of truth.
Prayer
God, thank you for being the God of breakthrough! Help me to trust you, even when the struggle continues and victory is not yet seen. Help me to see with eyes of trust and faith, instead of through the lens of discouragement and defeat. I know that you are sufficient, and that you have already made a way where there is no way!

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Fresh Perspective

  • January 23, 2024
Though the Israelites’ situation in Egypt had been terrible, it was the conduit through which God revealed to them a new and vital part of his identity in their lives.
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Scripture
Exodus 6:2-6
2 God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the LORD. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. 4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. 6 Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.
Observation
God had made himself known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as ‘El Shaddai (God Almighty)’–but not as ‘Yahweh (The Lord/The Owner/The Master)’. As he prepared to bring his people out of slavery in Egypt, he revealed a new aspect of his identity to them, as ‘The Lord’, or ‘The master worthy of obedience’. They were accustomed to being forced to serve a master in Egypt, but this was the first time that they would be learning to serve the master who was worthy of being obeyed.
Though their situation in Egypt had been terrible, it was the conduit through which God revealed to them a new and vital part of his identity in their lives.
Application
I’ve never been a slave, but I’ve walked through some difficult seasons. As hard as some of them were to navigate, in retrospect I’ve come to recognize that many of those seasons were the times when I learned the most vital and transformative lessons about who God is–not just who he is in theory…but who he is in ‘my life’.
The difficult seasons are not finished yet. There are still struggles to navigate, but I know that through each struggle God will reveal his heart more fully to me as I keep following him. This week, I pray to see God more clearly. Through the struggles, through the difficulties, through the restrictions and limitations–I want to know God more, and truly make him the ‘The Lord’ of my life.
Prayer
God, thank you for your faithfulness through every season! Thank you for proving yourself more than sufficient time and time again. Help me to see you clearly, and understand you more each day. You are the only master worthy of obedience, and I choose today to surrender my life to you.

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The One Who Can Carry It

  • January 22, 2024
Instead of a warm welcome, Moses found himself rejected by Pharaoh and rejected by the children of Israel. Moses’ response wasn’t to start a PR campaign, or to try to convince the people to change their minds–instead, he turned to God and brought his burden to the One who could carry it.
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Scripture
Exodus 5:20-22
20 They met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them, as they came out from Pharaoh; 21 and they said to them, “The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.” 22 Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”
Observation
Moses was in a hard spot. God had told him to return to Egypt and lead the people to freedom. I would venture to guess that he expected to be welcomed with open arms by his countrymen…but that was not the case. Instead of a warm welcome, he found himself rejected by Pharaoh and rejected by the children of Israel. In fact, the Hebrew foremen in this verse came to Moses to tell him that he had merely made a bad situation worse! Moses’ response wasn’t to start a PR campaign, or to try to convince the people to change their minds–instead, he ‘turned to the Lord’ and brought his burden to the one who could carry it.
Application
I love the unvarnished honesty of Moses’ cry to God in this passage. “Why, God? Why have you not helped them? Why have you not helped me? Why did you bother to send me?! Why have you not delivered them, as you promised?!”
Moses didn’t vent to Pharaoh, or to the Hebrew foremen. He didn’t form a support group, or write an editorial in the newspaper about how ungrateful everyone was. Instead, he turned to the only one who could truly carry his burden–the God who had sent him.
I haven’t walked in Moses’ shoes, but I’ve experienced rejection and frustration from time to time while trying to do what God has sent me to do. Venting my frustration on those around me rarely helps anything–but bottling up my frustration doesn’t accomplish anything either. Instead, I must daily take my burdens to God–trusting that He is big enough to handle what I bring to Him, and He’s ok with me being raw and real in His presence. He may not always respond the way that I want him to, but His strength with never fall short and His grace will never run out.
Prayer
God, thank you that you hear me when I call on you. Thank you for being there when I turn to you, and for not rejecting me when life gets heavy. Today I bring my burdens to you, trusting that you will accomplish what only you can do. Thank you for being sufficient!

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