S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Community

  • January 17, 2024
God built me for community–to live in community, grow in community, and serve in community. I have a responsibility to fulfill the community role for which I was created–not just looking out for my own happiness and gratification, but also for the health of the family.
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Scripture
Luke 17:1-3
“And he said to his disciples, ‘Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the seas than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him…”
Observation
Followers of Christ are created to live in community, not just proximity. The spiritual growth and health of each one is a personal responsibility, but also a family responsibility.
Application
God built me for community–to live in community, grow in community, and serve in community. I have a responsibility to fulfill the community role for which I was created–not just looking out for my own happiness and gratification, but also for the health of the family. On the flip side, I must have the humility to accept the presence, voice, and accountability of the rest of the family, in order to keep growing as God intends for me to.
This week, I choose to value and walk in community.
Prayer
God, thank you for the Body of Christ, this precious community in which you’ve placed me! Help me to daily value each member of the family- to love them well, and to also value their voice in my life.

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Defining Success

  • January 16, 2024
I need to make sure that I’m seeking success on God’s terms, and not based on my own self-serving ideas. The result probably won’t look anything like I would have expected or chosen…but it will look exactly as God intends for it to look.
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Scripture
Genesis 39:2
The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.
Observation
Joseph was a slave…and he was successful. Joseph was not free to pursue his own desires and dreams…and he was successful. He had been betrayed by those closest to him…and he was successful. He had been forcibly taken from his family and culture…and he was successful.
Application
God’s measure of success doesn’t look like mine. I have my own criteria for success, which usually centers on one main thing: me. My possessions. My freedom. My options in life. My ideas. My dreams.
Joseph had none of those things–and yet, God said he was successful. Why? Because he was fulfilling the role that God needed him to play, and he was faithfully doing the best that he could to honor God with the resources he was given. His success was God-focused, not self-focused.
This week, I need to calibrate my tape measure to the one that God uses. I need to make sure that I’m seeking success on His terms, and not based on my own self-serving ideas. The result probably won’t look anything like I would have expected or chosen…but it will look exactly as God intends for it to look.
Prayer
God, thank you for this recalibration for my heart! Help me to gauge success by your standard, and not by my own ideas. May you be glorified in my life as you accomplish your plans in and through me.
 
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The Decision to Worship

  • January 14, 2024
I can’t wait until my issues are solved, in order to give God my worship–rather, I must make the decision today in the middle of the uncertainty and struggle…to worship him. He is worthy of my worship, and he will show himself strong in my life to fulfill my future as I honor him with my present.
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Scripture
Genesis 35:5-7
5 And as they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. 6 And Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him, 7 and there he built an altar and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother.
Observation
Jacob was essentially on the run at this point, watching over his shoulder for the people of the land to attack him due to his sons violent vengeance on behalf of their sister. As Jacob journeyed to the place where God had instructed him to build an altar, God caused the people around them to experience a sudden, unexplainable, irrational fear. God protected and guarded Jacob, but Jacob didn’t see it until he made the decision to worship. God’s protection was always there–but it was made visible and accessible in Jacob’s life when he decided to purify his house and worship the Almighty God.
Application
God knows my fears, and he knows the dangers and obstacles that surround me. He is patient, despite my shortcomings and imperfections. He stands ready to strengthen and defend me, but requires that my attention remain on him. I can’t wait until my issues are solved, in order to bring him my worship–rather, I must make the decision today in the middle of the uncertainty and struggle…to worship him. He is worthy of my worship, and he will show himself strong in my life to fulfill my future as I honor him with my present.
This week, I choose to worship the God who saves.
Prayer
God, thank you for your presence and your faithfulness! Help me not to waste my time and energy worrying about the problems and issues of this world–but rather keep my focus on you, and direct the attention of those around me to your glory, majesty, and goodness. Thank you for strengthening and protecting me through every season and every battle!

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The One Thing

  • January 12, 2024
Jesus’ mission was more important than his approval rating in the polls–because the mission was the only thing that mattered in eternity.
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Scripture
Luke 12:13-15
“Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions’.”
Observation
This doesn’t seem like the right way to win friends and influence people! Not only did Jesus not assist this guy with his problem…his response actually portrayed the guy in front of him as the source of the problem, and told him to quit being covetous! Jesus is all about integrity and ethical living…so why would he shut the guy down this way?!
Application
Jesus came to earth for a purpose: to restore mankind to relationship with the Heavenly Father. The people around him wanted to position him in their lives to fulfill their own objectives, but he refused to play along. He knew his mission and his purpose, and was confident and unafraid in refusing to accept the expectations and demands of those who would distract him from the mission.
The mission was more important than his approval rating in the polls–because the mission was the only thing that mattered in eternity.
Prayer
God, help me to keep the mission as the main thing! Help me to recognize the things which move the mission, and to reject the things which don’t accomplish your purpose in my life.

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Walking in Blessing

  • January 11, 2024
God’s blessing is not a cosmic game of bingo–rather it is a path in which I can choose to walk, by following his word.
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Scripture
Luke 11:27-28
“As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
Observation
This woman saw the blessings of God as strictly an ‘experience’, which some lucky people received and others didn’t. Jesus revealed to her that God’s blessing is available to all who walk in his ways.
Application
As a friend of mine likes to say, “When I do right things, God blesses the right things that I do.” God’s blessing is not a cosmic game of bingo–rather it is a path in which I can choose to walk, by following his word. This week, I choose with God’s help to walk in his ways so that I can fully experience his blessing.
Prayer
God, I want to walk in your ways! Help me this week to not just ‘hear’ your word…but also to ‘follow’ your ways.

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Walking in the Promise

  • January 10, 2024
The promise was given by God, and it was plain to those around Isaac…but at some point, he still had to make the decision to walk in the promise.
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Scripture
Genesis 26:2-3
And the LORD appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father.
Observation
What an amazing promise God gave to Isaac! What an incredible way to start this season of his life, with the confidence that God had a plan and a purpose, and would fulfill what He had established. Unfortunately, Isaac still operated as though he was not walking in promise. He allowed fear and insecurity to control his decisions and path, and nearly lost his marriage over the imagined foes along the way. Abimelech knew that Isaac was going to receive the promise–and he finally sent Isaac away, because he knew that Isaac’s destiny was great enough to be a threat to his kingdom in Gerar. The promise was given by God, and it was plain to those around Isaac…but at some point, he still had to make the decision to walk in the promise.
Application
There’s a difference between knowing what God has promised…and walking in God’s promise. Too often in my life, I’ve let the real and imagined obstacles on my journey cause me to operate in fear, instead of standing confidently on God’s promise. If I walk in fear, I put the fulfillment of God’s promise at risk. Not because the obstacles are greater than God, but because I can make them bigger than God in my mind. This week, I choose to keep my eyes on the promise-giver. I choose to walk in the promises of God, and give him the opportunity to show himself strong in my life. I know he will not let me down, and history will demonstrate that my trust in Him has not been misplaced.
Prayer
God, thank you for your promises in my life! I choose today to walk in your promise instead of in fear–and I thank you for being greater than any obstacle I could face. May you be glorified as I keep my eyes on you!

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Kingdom Wins

  • January 9, 2024
In spite of their imperfections, Jesus kept loving and leading his disciples–and he kept teaching them to celebrate Kingdom wins.
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Scripture

Luke 9:49-50
“John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us’. But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you’.”
Observation
I’m fascinated by the subplot in this chapter. Jesus specifically gives the Twelve authority over ‘all demons’, and sends them out. Shortly after, they return and encounter a demon that they seem powerless to cast out! As they’re processing this unexpected twist, they hear about someone else who is casting out demons in the name of Jesus…and this other guy is succeeding! They try to stop the guy, but Jesus prevents them and teaches them to look for the ‘Kingdom win’ instead.
Application
I’m grateful for these glimpses of Jesus’ patience with his disciples! They battled pride, personal agendas, conflict, offense, and all the other things that I must also confront in my life. In spite of their imperfections, Jesus kept loving and leading them–and he kept teaching them to celebrate Kingdom wins.
This week, I choose to stay teachable rather than taking offense when things don’t go as I expect. I choose to celebrate Kingdom wins, so that they King would be glorified.
Prayer
God, thank you for your patience with me! Help me to be teachable this week instead of arrogant–and give me a heart to always seek and celebrate Kingdom wins, rather than personal affirmation and recognition.

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Don’t Settle!

  • January 8, 2024
God doesn’t need my expertise as a consultant or strategist. His word is certain and true–no matter the opposition or the obstacles.
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Scripture

Genesis 20:2
“And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, ‘She is my sister.’ And Abimalech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.”
Observation
This guy just doesn’t learn! Just a few chapters ago Abraham pulled this same stunt with the king of Egypt, and now here he is doing the exact same thing again. He saw what God had given him, he knew what God had promised him, yet he didn’t believe that God could defend him long enough to fulfill the promise.
Application
How often have I approached life with this same lack of faith? I see what God has done, and I know what he’s promised to do–then I panic, thinking that he’ll surely require my assistance in order to fulfill his promise!
God doesn’t need my expertise as a consultant or strategist. His word is certain and true–no matter the opposition or the obstacles. This week, I choose to trust God to sustain and defend me–and I trust Him to fulfill His promises.
Prayer
God, I choose to trust you. Instead of settling for less than your best, I choose to rely on your strength to fulfill what you want me to do–knowing that you are faithful to accomplish what only you can do.

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Delayed Obedience

  • January 7, 2024
Scripture

Genesis 19:15-16
As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.
Observation
The story of Lot is a story of continually delayed obedience. God had instructed Lot to flee to the hills, but Lot lingered in the city. The angels compelled him to leave the city, and Lot begged to be allowed to go to a different town instead of to the hills. Finally he arrived at that other town, but was afraid to remain there and ended up going to the hills as God had already instructed him. His obedience was delayed, partial, and reluctant–rather than swift, complete, and eager. In light of Lot’s reluctant attitude toward God, it’s no wonder that his wife looked back reluctantly at the place that they had left…and it’s no wonder that Lot’s daughters ultimately made some terrible and ungodly decisions as well. Lot ultimately obeyed…but his life had set the wrong example for the rest of his family to follow.
Application
There’s a little saying that I often say to my sons: “Delayed obedience…is disobedience!” Obedience that is delayed as long as possible, or fulfilled as sparingly as possible…is not really obedience at all. This is the mindset that Lot seems to have! Not eagerly and gladly following God’s command, but reluctantly and with a terrible attitude. God was trying to save his life, for heaven’s sake!
But how often have I been guilty of the same? I know what God commanded me…but I’ll delay and drag my feet. I don’t want to have that kind of attitude in my walk with God! I want to gladly and eagerly respond when he gives me an instruction, because I know that his heart is to bless me and show me mercy. Why would I not eagerly respond to a heart like that?!
This week, I choose to obey God on his timeframe…not merely when I feel like it. I choose to truly make him the Lord of my life, not just in name only.
Prayer
God, thank you for you love and your mercy! Thank you for your patience with me, when I drag my feet and delay in obeying you. I know you love me, and so I choose to follow and obey you with a glad heart. You are the Lord, the Master, and the authority to whom I choose to bow.

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The Fulfillment

  • January 6, 2024
Instead of trying to figure out how to fulfill God’s promise in my life, I must instead lock step with the promise-giver…trusting that His timing is perfect, and His promise will not fail.
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Scripture

Genesis 16:5
And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me!”
Observation
Abram and Sarai were eager for the fulfillment of God’s promise. It wasn’t going the way they expected, and so Sarai jumped in to help the process along: “Here Abram–take Hagar, and have a son with her! It’ll turn out just as good as if God had brought it to pass!”
Things didn’t turn out as Sarai expected, and now she had to deal with the results of her own decisions. The promise would still be fulfilled, but there were consequences and outcomes that now had to be dealt with.
Application
I can relate to Sarai. When God’s promises don’t come to pass on my timing or on my terms, it’s easy to jump in and try to ‘fix’ the situation for God. Inevitably, my solution doesn’t turn out as well as his. I must choose to remember that God is faithful to fulfill His promise, and he doesn’t need me to solve the obstacles for him. Instead of trying to figure out how to fulfill His promise in my life, I must instead lock step with the promise-giver…trusting that His timing is perfect, and His promise will not fail.
Prayer
God, thank you for your promises! Help me to trust you when I don’t yet see the fulfillment of your promise, and thank you for being greater than any obstacle! I choose to let you bring your better fulfillment, instead of scheming and stressing to implement my own solution.

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

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