S.O.A.P.

Daily S.O.A.P Blog

Understanding

  • December 26, 2023
Reading and absorbing God’s word doesn’t merely communicate a list of rules and expectations–rather, reading God’s word gives ‘understanding’…and that understanding will cause a teachable heart to avoid that which is contrary to God’s heart.
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Scripture
Psalm 119:104
“Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way”
Observation
Reading and absorbing God’s word doesn’t merely communicate a list of rules and expectations–rather, reading God’s word gives ‘understanding’…and that understanding will cause a teachable heart to avoid that which is contrary to God’s heart.
Application
Many people seem to view God’s word as merely a list of ‘do’ and ‘do not’ commands. What a different perspective this verse gives! A heart that lacks understanding will gravitate to it’s own desires and inclinations. A heart that lacks understanding begins to live in self-serving and unrighteous ways. But a heart that seeks divine understanding from the Word of God will come to understand ‘why’ God is fundamentally opposed to all unrighteousness and sin–not because He hates us, but because He loves us! Because of His love, He doesn’t want to see my life destroyed through my own foolish decisions and desires–and so His word guides me to live in ways which will allow His blessing to pour into me.
This week, I need understanding–and so I choose to seek it in the Word of God. For every dilemma, He is the counselor. For every uncertainty, He is the rock which will not be moved. For every looming obstacle, He is the way-maker…and in His word I will receive all that I need.
Prayer
God, thank you for your Word! Thank you for the understanding that you give me when I need guidance and direction. I ask you this week to guide me in every situation–both those that I know about, and those that haven’t arrived yet.

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Expecting the Unexpected

  • December 20, 2023
Instead of assuming that something is not of God merely because it doesn’t fit my own parameters, I need to look for where God is moving beyond my own boundaries. As I align my life with His divine plan, the impossible becomes possible–and the improbable becomes likely!
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Scripture
John 7:50-52
Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
Observation
There is a common theme running through this chapter, of people who were so convinced they knew exactly how God needed to operate. The disciples were convinced that Jesus needed to begin a marketing campaign to broadcast his teachings and miracles. The people were so convinced that no one would know where the Messiah came from, when he arrived. And the Pharisees had already stubbornly made up their minds that anyone associated with Galilee could not be a prophet!
Yet Jesus just kept doing what he was called to do, and what he came to do. He confounded their expectations, baffled their minds, and operated on a higher level than they could comprehend.
Application
God is not bound by my expectations. In fact, He is not bound by anything other than his word and his nature. He is not limited by my understanding, and He is certainly not required to take my advice. When I invite God into my situation, I can expect the unexpected–because the things which limit me are not an obstacle to the God of the universe!
This week, I need to give God room to operate as only He can. Instead of assuming that something is not of God merely because it doesn’t fit my own parameters, I need to look for where God is moving beyond my own boundaries. As I align my life with His divine plan, the impossible becomes possible–and the improbable becomes likely!
Prayer
God, thank you for being who you are. Thank you for moving in my life, and for doing what only you can do. I acknowledge your kingship and your power, and I invite you today to accomplish all that you desire in and through my life. Help me to see where I have been trying to limit you to my expectations, so that I can instead surrender to your better plan.
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Being and Doing

  • December 15, 2023
This week I choose to ‘be’ a ‘doer’. Not in order for God to love me, but because He already does. Not in order for God to save me, but because He already has.
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Scripture
James 1:22-25
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Observation
Salvation comes through faith–but the book of James makes it clear that the follower of Christ cannot have a vague ‘feeling’ or ‘belief’ in absence of action, and still call it ‘faith’. Hearing truth and believing truth are essential…but they are useless unless also accompanied by ‘following’ what truth requires.
Application
Recently I’ve heard many Christian authors and speakers talking about the significance of ‘being’ versus ‘doing’. The idea seems to be that a person’s identity in absence of any action is the most significant thing about them. This thought is good…to a point. But this passage in James 1 commands a slightly different perspective–James says that we must understand our identity…but that we must then ‘be‘ a ‘doer‘. Our identity must include the fact that we follow what our Lord commands.
My relationship with God must start as belief–believing “that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). But once I believe on God, my faith MUST bring me to a place of ‘doing’ what He expects of me as He gives me the strength to do what He commands.
This week, I choose to ‘be’ a ‘doer’. Not in order for God to love me, but because He already does. Not in order for God to save me, but because He already has.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving and redeeming me! Thank you for forgiving me, though there’s nothing I could do to earn your forgiveness. Help me this week not to merely believe on you, but to respond with a heart of love and submission to your authority, which causes me to live out the things which please you.
Help me this week to be a doer of your word, and not just a hearer.
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The Promise and the Past

  • December 13, 2023
The only way to walk in the promise, is to let go of the past.
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Scripture
Hebrews 11:13-15
“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.”
Observation
This passage points to the importance of our “heart direction”. Abraham was on his way from his homeland to a promised land…but his feet would have followed his heart, if his heart had been leaning toward what was instead of toward what would someday be. The only way to walk in the ‘next’ is to let go of the ‘was’.
Application
Like Abraham walking away from Ur, or the Israelites walking out of Egypt, I have a choice each day in the direction I allow my heart to lean. God continually draws me onward and upward, but he gives me the freedom to cling to the past if I desire.
Which direction do I allow my heart to lean? Do I cling to past seasons, past relationships, past victories, and past places? Do I let my mind remain stuck in old thought patterns, and my heart keep tugging me toward the things that used to be? …Or do I keep my heart fixed on Christ, knowing that His promise before me is better than my past behind me?
This week, I choose to direct my heart toward the promise instead of the past.
Prayer
God, thank you for your promises! Help me never to go back to where you’ve brought me from, but daily fix my eyes on you as you lead me forward.
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Heart Talk

  • December 11, 2023
We will always have opportunities for relational rifts and communication breakdowns, but Christ can still receive the glory even in these situations if I keep my heart right and seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide my words and responses.
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Scripture
Philemon 1:8-10
“Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you– I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus– I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.”
Observation
This small book of the Bible is a master class on Christ-honoring communication. Paul was preparing to send a runaway slave back to his master, but he wanted to clear the way for Onesimus to be welcomed back with love rather than punishment. Paul felt that he had the authority to order Philemon to obey his instructions-but instead he wrote with a gentle heart of love. Paul modeled to Philemon the same heart that he wanted Philemon to display to Onesimus.
I see three things in Paul’s communication:
    • He was consistent in his values (he modeled what he taught).
    • He was clear and specific in his expectations.
    • He didn’t make his appeal solely based on emotion or on information-instead he used both together to share inspiration.
Application
I have so much to learn in my communication!
This kingdom-hearted and Christ-honoring blend of love and truth, of data and heartfelt emotion, of principles and clear expectations, challenges me to be so much more intentional this week in how I communicate. There will inevitably be opportunities for relational rifts and communication breakdowns, but Christ can still receive the glory even in these situations if I keep my heart right and seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide my words and responses.
Prayer
God, thank you for the example of men like Paul. I have to much to learn in my communication! Help me this week to speak and to walk with a heart that honors you–not just sharing information, but rather Holy Spirit inspiration which points people to a closer walk with you. I want to be effective in your kingdom!
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

Imitating My Father

  • December 5, 2023
As a child of God, I can bring joy to the heart of my heavenly Father when I imitate his speech, his actions, and his love. Imitating my Father helps me grow into something greater, and it changes my own heart in the process.
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Scripture
Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Observation
‘Be imitators of God, as beloved children’: God’s children are to imitate the way that he loves, the way that he forgives, the way that he speaks truth, the way that he willingly gave himself up for us, the way that he conducts himself in all that he does.
Application
I love when my sons imitate me! Whether it’s the way they fill their pockets with gadgets and tools before going out the front door, or the way that they speak when telling a story–it makes my heart so glad when they express their love and admiration for me as their father, by imitating me. As a child of God, I can bring that same joy to the heart of my heavenly Father when I imitate his speech, his actions, and his love. Imitating my Father helps me grow into something greater, and it changes my own heart in the process.
This week, I choose to imitate my Father in all I do. When I’m faced with a dilemma, I choose to run it through the filter of ‘how would my Lord respond?’ When I encounter an obstacle, I choose to look for a way to navigate as my Father would.
Prayer
God, thank you for the example you have set for me! Help me to imitate you in all that I do–so that I would become more like you, and so that my life would bring you joy. I want you to be pleased when you see me!
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Unoffendable

  • November 22, 2023
If I want to receive the full measure of God’s blessing in my life, I must choose to be ‘unoffendable’ by him. He is God, and he is sovereign. He will not always do things my way–but I know that I will be blessed in him, as I choose to remain unoffended.
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Scripture
Matthew 11:4-6
And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
Observation
This statement from Jesus to the followers of John is striking. Here he was healing blind eyes and lame feet, raising the dead, and all the other amazing miracles he was performing–and yet he says ‘blessed are those who are not offended by me’. What kind of a person would be offended by that?! The following chapters go on to show the offense that people carried toward Jesus–not offense necessarily at what he was doing…but offense at him because of ‘how’ he did the things that he did. Jesus didn’t dance to the tune of the Pharisees or follow their rules–and so they were offended by him.
Application
Very few times in my life have I disagreed with ‘what’ God was doing–but there have been many times that I have had a big issue with ‘how’ he did things. I may recognize that I need humility–but I don’t like the way that God humbles my heart. I may need God’s provision–but I want it to happen my way, on my schedule. I may appreciate the growth and maturing that God causes in me–but I don’t appreciate the struggles and challenges which he uses to cause my heart to grow.
I must daily take to heart this warning and encouragement from Jesus. If I want to receive the full measure of his blessing in my life, I must choose to be ‘unoffendable’ by him. He is God, and he is sovereign. He will not always do things my way–but I know that I will be blessed in him, as I choose to remain unoffended. This week, I choose to submit not only to ‘what’ God is doing–but also to humbly accept the ‘way’ that God is accomplishing his plan and purpose in me.
Prayer
God, thank you for your love and mercy! Thank you for blessing me each day! I choose today to remain unoffended by you–I submit to your kingship and surrender to your authority, knowing that when you do things differently than I prefer, it is for my benefit. I choose to trust you, even when things don’t make sense.
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The Importance of Fruit

  • November 20, 2023
Growth rate, visibility, green leaves, and height are not the metrics by which to measure a healthy ministry according to Jesus. The only metric which matters in the end is this: Is it bearing healthy fruit?
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Scripture
Matthew 7:15-16
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.”
Observation
Jesus indicates here that false prophets are not a surprising and unexpected anomaly, but rather a common and routine issue which followers of Christ must address. Though they seem to display all of the right signs of health, they are missing one critical component: Healthy fruit.
A ministry or teacher which is not rooted in God’s word may look just the same as a healthy and Godly ministry. They may be growing and thriving in number, and they may be generating a lot of excitement. They may be teaching a message which attracts and motivates many people, and they may be using all of the right verbiage and phrases to sound Biblical and spiritually mature. They may even be operating in signs and wonders, astonishing people with the spiritual power that they display…but what kind of fruit are they producing? Do they have a track record of forgiveness, of kindness, of speaking the truth, of reconciliation, of integrity, of submission to the Word of God, and of personal accountability?
Growth rate, visibility, green leaves, and height are not the metrics by which to measure a healthy tree according to Jesus. The only metric which matters in the end is this: Is it bearing healthy fruit?
Application
The old saying says: “You can teach what you know, but you will reproduce what you are.” A tree does not produce fruit merely for the enjoyment of others–rather, it produces fruit in order to reproduce itself and to make more trees with the same genetic fingerprint.
This passage of scripture challenges me to value fruit in a new way–both in my life, and in the lives of others. When I am observing a teacher or influencer in my life, what kind of fruit are they producing? Does their fruit validate their ministry and bear witness to the Holy Spirit at work through them, or does their fruit reveal the empty promises of a false gospel, built on self-empowerment and humanistic ideas?
In my own life, what does my fruit say about the condition of my heart? As I reproduce what I am, what does my fruit demonstrate? Do I see the Spirit at work in the lives of those I influence, or do I see lives still ruled by the flesh? Do I see people developing a love for God’s word, or too busy to be inconvenienced by time spent with the Master? Do I see people boldly sharing the testimony of God’s radical transformation in their life, or merely content to slip by under the radar–unchanged, unchallenged, un-transformed?
This week, I choose to evaluate the world like Christ does: by the fruit shown.
Prayer
God, thank you for the wisdom that I find in your word. Help me to see the world as you do–and thank you for this reminder of the importance of fruit. Help me to clearly discern the fruit growing in the lives of those who would influence my life as teachers and mentors. Give me wisdom to understand the fruit being produced, which reveals the condition of their heart.
In my life, help me to cultivate the right kind of fruit–and not merely settle for green leaves and strong branches. I want to reproduce the transformation that you’ve accomplished in my heart, so that others could experience the same life-changing power!
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Qualifications

  • November 16, 2023
Paul’s encouragement to the church in Corinth was to remember that we are not sufficient in ourselves…but in Christ, we have been made sufficient by his righteousness to boldly share the Good News about the Savior.
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 3:4-6
4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 4:5-6
5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Observation
The confidence that a child of God has in sharing the gospel, is not a confidence of self-perfection, self-righteousness, or self-qualification. Rather, it is the confidence of knowing that every child of God is sufficient in Christ, through the life that he has given. Our message is not good news about our own qualifications…but rather the Good News about the Savior who reached down and shined his light in the darkness of our own hearts.
Application
Satan loves to discourage God’s children–indeed, discouragement is one of his favorite weapons. I love this passage in 2nd Corinthians–it gives me a glimpse into the struggles that Paul faced, as the enemy tried to discourage him and convince him that he was unworthy to share the gospel. Paul’s encouragement to the church in Corinth was to remember that yes–we are not sufficient in ourselves…but in Christ, we have been made sufficient by his righteousness to boldly share the Good News about the Savior.
Today, I’m reminded to stay focused on the One who I am called to proclaim. I’m not here to prove myself worthy, or to call attention to my self-proclaimed qualifications: rather I am called to point people to the One who has redeemed and saved my soul, and who desires to do the same for every person who has ever lived. If he can illuminate the dark recesses of my own heart, then he can do that for others also!
Prayer
Thank you God for this reminder that my qualification, my identity, and my righteousness comes from you alone! When the enemy seeks to discourage me, help me to keep my eyes fixed on you. As I submit my own life to you, help me to point others to the same hope that I have in you.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/

The Purpose of Suffering

  • November 15, 2023
There is no grief too great, and no suffering too terrible for God to bring comfort.  The comfort that God brings is not only adequate for the present suffering, but rather an over-abundance of comfort which is intended to be shared outward to others who are similarly suffering.
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Scripture
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Observation
Though we may not see it in the moment, there is a purpose for the suffering that Christ allows. Suffering is not a result of God’s inattention in a situation, but rather a priceless resource that God uses and redeems in order to accomplish His divine purpose. He comforts his children in ALL affliction, not only some. There is no grief too great, and no suffering too terrible for God to bring comfort.
The comfort that God brings is not only adequate for the present suffering, but rather an over-abundance of comfort which is intended to be shared outward to others who are similarly suffering.
Application
I don’t like suffering, and I don’t like affliction. When I am hurting, I simply want the hurting to stop! This passage reminds me though, that God has a purpose for the suffering that He allows me to endure. As Pastor Wayne often says, “God never wastes a tear!”
I must ‘set my hope’ on Christ in every affliction and challenge, trusting that he is able not only to sustain me and comfort me, but also to redeem the situation and use it to encourage and bring comfort to others who may be walking through a similar trial.
This process of bringing comfort to others, requires that my heart be at peace with God so that the situation is no longer all about me. If my attention is focused on my own pain, I cannot be a source of Holy Spirit comfort to those around me.
Today I choose to allow God to use the discomfort of my past hurts and present challenges, to bring comfort and strength to those around me.
Prayer
God, thank you for your comfort which sustains me and empowers me in every situation! Help me today to comfort those around me, and I pray that you would receive glory through every painful season through which I’ve walked. I choose to fix my hope on you, knowing that you will never let me down.
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You can also read past devotions on our website, by visiting https://www.newhopelegacy.com/soap/
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